Principal Judge Abodo Launches Alternative Justice Systems in Lango
Justice Abodo launching the program at Margaritha Palace Hotel in Lira City
The Judiciary, through its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework, has launched Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) in the Lango Sub-region, describing the initiative as a shared journey toward improved access to justice.
The Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo, officiated at the launch, noting that the system seeks to integrate traditional justice mechanisms with the formal judicial system. She emphasized that the initiative will have a lasting impact because it is rooted in community practices.
“It is something that you know and identify with, and we are here to encourage you to align it with the Constitution. We are not here to interrupt what you are already doing,” she said.
The ceremony, held at Margaritha Palace Hotel in Lira City on Tuesday, attracted clan and religious leaders.
Justice Abodo described the launch as a significant milestone in enhancing access to justice by formally recognizing Alternative Justice Systems.
She noted that for a long time, the judiciary operated largely on Western models, often labeling indigenous approaches as informal.
“Today, we are recognizing the Alternative Justice System as a formal method of delivering justice—just a different pathway,” she said.
She acknowledged that while Western-style systems were long considered the standard, indigenous justice mechanisms have effectively served communities for decades and are now being formally legitimized.
Justice Abodo further observed that the Lango people are uniquely positioned to lead this initiative due to their well-organized traditional governance structures.
“The Lango people are among the most tolerant. This system is well-suited to take root here, and the rest of Uganda can learn from this example,” she added.
The Lango Paramount Chief, Odongo Okune, welcomed the judiciary’s move to prioritize ADR in Uganda’s justice system.
He noted that Lango is a post-conflict society with many unresolved disputes stemming from decades of violence. Since 1971, the sub-region has experienced significant unrest, including insurgencies by the Lord’s Resistance Army, the rebellion led by Alice Lakwena, and cattle raids by the Karimojong.
“We are looking beyond justice toward total peace so that the trauma of over 40 years of conflict can be healed,” he said.
He added that clan leaders have played a crucial role in resolving disputes within communities, helping to reduce the number of cases reaching formal courts.
“They have handled land conflicts, marriage disputes, and cases of domestic violence, among others,” he said.
He also highlighted the strength of the Lango traditional justice system in handling even serious cases such as murder, where both clans agree on compensation, often resulting in reconciliation and lasting peace.
“The system is so strong and community-supported that once a matter is settled, harmony is restored,” he added.
The Deputy Chief Justice emeritus, Richard Butera, urged mediators to focus on solutions rather than past grievances.
“Each party should propose a way forward. Your role as a mediator is to bring people together to find a solution, not to dwell on what caused the conflict,” he said.
Similarly, the Solicitor General emeritus, Francis Atuke, encouraged leaders to take mediation seriously.
He advised mediators to bring both parties together, introduce the process clearly, and guide discussions effectively to ensure successful outcomes.
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From: Patrick Okino <patrickokino44@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 5 May 2026, 20:26
Subject: Principal Judge Abodo Launches Alternative Justice Systems in Lango
To: Website <website@newvision.co.ug>
Principal Judge Abodo Launches Alternative Justice Systems in Lango
By Patrick Okino
The Judiciary, through its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework, has launched Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) in the Lango Sub-region, describing the initiative as a shared journey toward improved access to justice.
The Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo, officiated at the launch, noting that the system seeks to integrate traditional justice mechanisms with the formal judicial system. She emphasized that the initiative will have a lasting impact because it is rooted in community practices.
“It is something that you know and identify with, and we are here to encourage you to align it with the Constitution. We are not here to interrupt what you are already doing,” she said.
The ceremony, held at Margaritha Palace Hotel in Lira City on Tuesday, attracted clan and religious leaders.
Justice Abodo described the launch as a significant milestone in enhancing access to justice by formally recognizing Alternative Justice Systems.
She noted that for a long time, the judiciary operated largely on Western models, often labeling indigenous approaches as informal.
“Today, we are recognizing the Alternative Justice System as a formal method of delivering justice—just a different pathway,” she said.
She acknowledged that while Western-style systems were long considered the standard, indigenous justice mechanisms have effectively served communities for decades and are now being formally legitimized.
Justice Abodo further observed that the Lango people are uniquely positioned to lead this initiative due to their well-organized traditional governance structures.
“The Lango people are among the most tolerant. This system is well-suited to take root here, and the rest of Uganda can learn from this example,” she added.
The Lango Paramount Chief, Odongo Okune, welcomed the judiciary’s move to prioritize ADR in Uganda’s justice system.
He noted that Lango is a post-conflict society with many unresolved disputes stemming from decades of violence. Since 1971, the sub-region has experienced significant unrest, including insurgencies by the Lord’s Resistance Army, the rebellion led by Alice Lakwena, and cattle raids by the Karimojong.
“We are looking beyond justice toward total peace so that the trauma of over 40 years of conflict can be healed,” he said.
He added that clan leaders have played a crucial role in resolving disputes within communities, helping to reduce the number of cases reaching formal courts.
“They have handled land conflicts, marriage disputes, and cases of domestic violence, among others,” he said.
He also highlighted the strength of the Lango traditional justice system in handling even serious cases such as murder, where both clans agree on compensation, often resulting in reconciliation and lasting peace.
“The system is so strong and community-supported that once a matter is settled, harmony is restored,” he added.
The Deputy Chief Justice emeritus, Richard Butera, urged mediators to focus on solutions rather than past grievances.
“Each party should propose a way forward. Your role as a mediator is to bring people together to find a solution, not to dwell on what caused the conflict,” he said.
Similarly, the Solicitor General emeritus, Francis Atuke, encouraged leaders to take mediation seriously.
He advised mediators to bring both parties together, introduce the process clearly, and guide discussions effectively to ensure successful outcomes.
