GULU, Uganda | Local council chairpersons and their executive committee members from Northern Uganda have met in Gulu to acquire training on court case management and gender issues.

The training implemented by the International Justice Mission in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government aims at enhancing the capabilities of LC 1 members in handling their roles effectively.

Ruth Lawino, the IJM Regional Manager, said that the exercise is being conducted in several areas, such as Bungatira subcounty, Omel, Bardege-Layibi division and Pece-Laroo division.

”They will go through an intensive training on their roles and how to conduct business in the lower courts.” Lawino said

She added that LCIs have previously been arrested and jailed due to failure to correctly perform their roles, largely stemming from ignorance of the law. Hellen Aol, an elder from Kanyagoga Acell, expressed gratitude for the training, adding that the Lc1 elections are fast approaching.

Aol requested Ministry of Gender and IJM training after the elections to ensure that the newly elected LC officials are equipped with skills.

  In February 2025, parliament approved a statutory instrument issued by the Ministry of Local Government to extend the term of office for Local Council 1, Local Council 2 and Women Councils for another 180 days. The extensions were purely due to the inability of the Ministry of Finance to provide the necessary funds to conduct these elections.