UGANDA

TJ MECHANISMS
and economic abuses that occur during conflict. 609 Participants in Kitgum specified
that this should include both rebel and Government actors involved in conflict, 610
while in Gulu, participants identified the trial of Thomas Kwoyelo and the ICC’s
indictments of LRA leaders as examples of relevant though contested developments in
the formal justice arena. 611
Dissatisfaction with Formal Justice Processes
While believing in the importance of criminal prosecutions, a majority of participants
throughout Uganda voiced serious concerns about the judiciary’s ability to hold all
perpetrators to account. They expressed mistrust of the formal justice system and did
not regard it as a credible means to achieve justice. 612 This prevailing dissatisfaction is
a result of perceived partiality in the justice system. Participants underscored a lack of
transparency and independence of the prosecutorial bodies, regarding them as subject
to political interference from the appointing authorities, especially the Executive branch
of Government. 613 They stated that court processes favour those who are rich enough
or hold sufficient power to manipulate the process, and that corruption is a major
obstacle. 614 As a case in point, participants cited the example of a group of Banyankole-
Balaalo herdsmen who were summoned by the sub-county chief for letting their cattle
graze in cultivators’ farms. They asked him rhetorically,
609 Research conducted in Kitgum District
610 Research conducted in Gulu District
611 Research conducted in Mukono, Mubende, Bulambuli, Adjumani, Gulu and Nakasongola Districts
612 Research conducted in Mubende, Mbarara, Bulambuli, Tororo and Soroti Districts
613 Research conducted in Gulu, Mukono, Mubende, Hoima, Mbarara, Soroti and Bulambuli Districts
614 Research conducted in Hoima District
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