UGANDA

TJ MECHANISMS
“Justice has not been done. Especially where the perpetrators are still in
Government. Because when someone commits a crime and he supports
the Government in power he is not put on trial. But after overthrow is
when you think of putting people on trial. Justice has not been done in
that area. If the law is there let it get everybody, in Government and
outside Government, at all times.”
Male participant from Tororo District
Regarding prosecutions of LRA leaders, participants expressed deep dissatisfaction with
both the Kwoyelo trial, which was perceived to discourage peaceful defections of other
rebels, and with the ICC’s attempt to prosecute top LRA commanders, which had
still failed to bring them to justice. 619 Others feared that the International Crimes
Division, while domesticating the Rome Statute of the International Criminal
Court, would fail to prosecute Government actors alongside rebel leaders. 620
Way Forward
In light of the perceived lack of transparency, independence and impartiality
in the judiciary, participants overwhelmingly underscored the need for
reform so that human rights abuses may be credibly addressed and peace
promoted. Many underlined that equality before the law must be ensured and
that there should
be transparency
rather than partial
accountability. 621
Certain participants
called for all key
perpetrators to
be prosecuted. 622
Some particularly
emphasised the
need to hold
accountable those
who have not
renounced rebellion
or who have
ignored amnesty. 623
Others noted that
commanders in the
UPDF should also
be prosecuted for
619 Research conducted in Lira and Kitgum Districts
620 Research conducted in Kitgum District
621 Research conducted in Mubende, Arua, Bundibugyo, Pader, Hoima and Nakasongola Districts
622 Research conducted in Arua District
623 Research conducted in Bundibugyo District
247