news 5 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Judiciary Partners with Lango Clan Leaders to Tackle Court Backlogs
The Ugandan Judiciary has launched Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) in the Lango Sub-region, integrating traditional clan mediation with formal courts to reduce case backlogs and improve access to justice. Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo praised the Lango people's tolerant culture as ideal for this restorative approach. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/judiciary-taps-lango-clan-heads-to-ease-case-backlog-5448084
The Ugandan Judiciary unveiled Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) in Lira City on May 5, 2026, marking a key step in blending traditional dispute resolution with the formal court system in the Lango Sub-region.
Launched at the Margarita Palace Hotel, the initiative targets the heavy caseload burdening local courts by leveraging over 150 registered Lango clans, each headed by an Awitong. This setup, overseen by the Council of the Awitong and the Won Nyaci, offers a structured platform for mediation.
Principal Judge Justice Jane Frances Abodo highlighted how indigenous mechanisms have long served communities effectively, unlike Western-style courts that often breed enmity. She noted the Lango’s remarkable tolerance, drawing from her own experiences during past raids, as perfect for fostering reconciliation over revenge.
With just 20-21 judicial officers handling a population exceeding 3 million, the region grapples with severe backlogs—one officer per roughly 160,000 potential cases. AJS aims to divert land, family, and civil disputes to community levels first, ensuring constitutional compliance and cultural relevance.
The launch featured ADR training for judicial staff, local leaders, and residents, promoting awareness, collaboration, and timely resolutions to enhance social harmony.
This follows a 2025 rollout in Gulu, expanding the judiciary’s partnership with cultural institutions nationwide.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)