KAMPALA, Uganda | The judiciary has advised traditional, cultural, and religious leaders to use alternative justice systems to administer justice, especially in rural and impoverished areas.

The statements were given at the start of a nationwide summit that gathered religious leaders, elders, and traditional leaders from all over the nation to talk about the best way to formalise the system.

Professor Justice Andrew Khaukha, the executive director of the Judicial Training Institute and the judge in charge of AJS, asserts that improving efficiency and inclusivity in the formal justice system requires incorporating traditional dispute resolution methods.

“It is no longer tenable to ignore what is already happening on the ground,” said Justice Khaukha. “Studies have shown that our communities already use effective and trusted mechanisms to resolve disputes. Formalizing and supporting these systems will ensure they become more structured, accessible, and fair to all citizens.” Justice Andrew Khaukha said

Justice Khauka added that if all disputes ended up in court, the system would collapse under the weight of unresolved cases,” citing over 167,000 cases pending in a system with insufficient judicial personnel. 

 “The burden of proving who did what in court often leads to further trauma, while community justice promotes healing, reconciliation, and social harmony.” Justice Khaukha noted

According to Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, colonialists destroyed and demonized traditional justice systems, forcing a complicated, foreign system that many people still cannot access even though justice is intended for all.

According to Dollo, these systems are capable of handling disagreements ranging from domestic disputes to more serious situations like murder. A strong supporter of AJS, he said the formal system remains costly, distant, and complicated for ordinary citizens, even with efforts to decentralize courts.

The initiative was also supported by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Nobert Mao, who noted that thousands of court cases—particularly land disputes—go unresolved for years, securing financial and property resources. In his view, AJS can provide prompt resolutions, bring peace back to the community, and relieve the burden on the official court system.

The traditional leader of the Patiko Chiefdom, Rwot Collins Muttu Akiko II, emphasised the importance of cultural integrity, saying, “Our people understand and trust these systems.” Courts frequently lack an understanding of the nuances of our traditions, and their rulings can occasionally spark unrest in the community.

Canon. Richard Ogwang Odyero, the Awitong (clan head) of Ogora, added that formal systems often alienate locals. “Courts are bringing more trouble than before. Let us return to what has always worked.”