CSOs Call for Fast-tracking of National Transitional Justice Act

Civil society actors within the justice sector have called for the formulation of the National Transitional Justice Act to operationalize the  National Justice Transition Policy (NJTP).

The policy aims to address the plight of war victims by advocating for measures such as the swift prosecution of war perpetrators, fair compensation, and comprehensive rehabilitation of those affected by conflicts across the country.

Speaking at a dialogue in Kampala organized by the Foundation for Justice and Development Initiatives (FJDI) and the Rwenzori Forum for Peace and Justice (RFPJ), Former Gulu Municipality Member of Parliament, Lyandro Komakech, said that there has been a delay in making sure that the law is brought on board.

He noted that for the policy to be effective, the National Justice Transitional law needs to be put in place.

 “Most of the issues we are dealing with are about victims, we are not dealing with any other different category of people. Victims are dying. government of Uganda took an interest in responding to court issues of cattle compensation which was very misleading. Yes, properties can be compensated, but about the lives, all these can only be done holistically through a law which has to be enacted,” he said.

He revealed that the government has already put Transitional Justice as one of the legislative agenda, but they have not gone ahead to present the issue in Parliament.

“We are here to reinforce and gather momentum, to ensure that government through the means of justice can move quickly to begin presenting before the August house so that debate can ensue over this matter,” he noted.

Nathan Twino, the Legal Adviser of the Amnesty Commission appreciated the efforts by the different stakeholders toward Transitional Justice.

“Continue making this noise, the government will come up with a Transitional Justice Act that you are clamouring for. And I can assure you if this act comes into existence, it’s going It’s going to serve so many things, so many grievances that I hear you talking about,” Said Twino.

Meanwhile, Amooti Jane Mangadalane, a victims advocate in the Kwoleyo case before the ICJ of the High Court, Said it’s high time, they looked at what should be the action points like advocacy issues, legal reforms, and victim participation, among others.

“We have been participating with my colleagues, but as if we are spectators, at what point do we come in to present an exhibit? I know what is on our side we shall have the conviction. But how are we going to handle the reparations? If we are not having a law in place,” she noted.