UGANDA

COMPENDIUM OF CONFLICTS IN UGANDA
of crimes against humanity and war crimes. 600 One group of participants emphasized
that amnesty should only apply to those who voluntarily give up fighting, not those who
are captured. 601
Finally, a common sentiment among participants was that the amnesty process be
accompanied by various other transitional justice mechanisms. Many asserted that
those seeking amnesty, whether low-level rebel s or their leaders, must apologize and
seek forgiveness, not just from the Government but from local communities as well. 602
Others stated that reparations, truth-telling, and psychosocial rehabilitation for fighters
should be linked to the implementation of amnesty. 603
With regards to services offered to former fighters, some participants recommended
reviewing or discontinuing the provision of resettlement packages due to the unrest it
caused in local communities. 604 On the other hand, others stressed the need to provide
adequate reintegration assistance to former fighters returning from the bush. 605 Some
participants also mentioned the need to protect former rebels from discontented victims
and from the Government. 606
Prosecutions
The Juba Agreement on Accountability and Reconciliation provides that;
“Formal criminal and civil justice mechanisms shall be
applied to any individual who is alleged to have committed
serious crimes or human rights violations in the course of the
conflict […]. Prosecutions and other formal accountability
proceedings shall be based upon systematic, independent
and impartial investigations.” 607
Additionally, the Annexure to the Agreement stipulates that “a special division of the
High Court of Uganda shall be established to try individuals who are alleged to have
committed serious crimes during the conflict.” 608
Prosecutions as a Component of Transitional Justice
In most districts, a majority of participants recognised that the prosecution of
perpetrators is important for achieving justice in the wake of human rights violations
600 Research conducted in Kasese District
601 Research conducted in Bundibugyo and Lira Districts
602 Research conducted in Soroti, Nakasongola, Gulu, Lira, Tororo and Adjumani Districts
603 Research conducted in Mubende, Arua, Pader and Hoima Districts
604 Research conducted in Bundibugyo District
605 Research conducted in Soroti, Mubende and Hoima Districts
606 Research conducted in Mukono District Juba Agreement on Accountability and Reconciliation (2007),
Clause 4.1
607 Annexure to the Juba Agreement on Accountability and Reconciliation (2008), Clause 7
608 Research conducted in Mukono, Soroti, Adjumani, Bulambuli, Mbarara, Bundibugyo, Pader, Arua, Kasese,
Nakasongola, Mubende and Gulu Districts
244