UGANDA

TJ MECHANISMS
Parliament
Recommendations regarding Parliament included calls for greater independence of the
legislative branch, specifically by reducing the military’s influence on politics. 813 Others
insisted on a reduction in the size of Parliament 814 and for Members of Parliament
(MPs) to be more responsive to the needs of their constituents, especially regarding
land conflicts, infrastructure development and women’s issues. 815 Finally, participants
asserted that corrupt MPs should be investigated. 816
Judiciary
Similar to the sectors mentioned above, participants called for reform of the court system
in Uganda. 817 Many emphasized putting an end to corruption 818 and called for greater
independence and impartiality of judges. 819 Specifically, participants recommended that
judges be appointed from different political parties, or that they be chosen by the public
rather than appointed by the President. 820 Others suggested the creation of a monitoring
body to address corruption, which might consist of either popularly appointed officials
or members of other East African countries who could form a regional monitoring
committee. 821 Notably, some participants cautioned against interference from Western
countries. 822
One instance of reform commonly cited was the decentralization of the judiciary through
the opening of courts and the appointment of magistrates on the sub-county level, and by
ensuring that resident judges are appointed in every district. 823 Other recommendations
included sensitizing the community on court procedures, facilitating the transportation
of witnesses to attend trials, 824 recognizing alternative justice mechanisms and
judgements, 825 and giving more attention to domestic violence, possibly with assistance
from groups like FIDA, the Uganda Association of Female Lawyers. 826
Local Government
Calls for reform of the local Government focused on promoting transparency and fairness
in awarding projects, 827 monitoring programmes to ensure efficacy, 828 and limiting the
practice of witchcraft. 829 Some noted that local Government councillors should be
guaranteed salaries. 830
813 Research conducted in Arua, Kitgum and Gulu Districts
814 Research conducted in Arua District
815 Research conducted in Hoima and Bulambuli Districts
816 Research conducted in Hoima District
817 Research conducted in Gulu, Lira and Hoima Districts
818 Research conducted in Kasese and Mbarara Districts
819 Research conducted in Hoima, Nakapiripirit, Bundibugyo and Nakasongola Districts
820 Research conducted in Hoima, Lira and Gulu Districts
821 Research conducted in Gulu and Adjumani Districts
822 Research conducted in Bulambuli District
823 Research conducted in Kasese, Hoima, Lira and Pader Districts
824 Research conducted in Tororo District
825 Research conducted in Hoima and Tororo Districts
826 Research conducted in Kasese District
827 Research conducted in Bulambuli District
828 Research conducted in Nakasongola District
829 Research conducted in Nakasongola District
830 Research conducted in Bulambuli District
271