Uganda
The conceptualization of the north as being the only part of the country in
need of transitional justice is itself symptomatic of many Ugandans’ mistaken view
that the north alone has suffered the consequences of war. Uganda’s transitional
justice process is now at a crossroads. It has the potential either to transform
the country or to plunge it back into conflict. The Juba peace talks between the
government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) created a window
of opportunity. The signing of a number of agreements, including an agreement
entitled Agenda Item 2 on Comprehensive Solutions to the conflict and Agenda
Item 3 on Accountability and Reconciliation (and its Annexure) lay down a broad
framework for a transitional justice policy.1
Ever since the International Criminal Court brought itself into the situation
in northern Uganda, considerable debate has emerged regarding the effectiveness
of implementing transitional justice in a country without a formal transition, for
example, as regards regime change. To date, various stages in the implementation
of a transitional justice mechanism are under way. The role of international and
local NGOs has been crucial right from the initiation of the Juba peace process
up to now, when the government of Uganda is currently undertaking the implem
entation of a ‘Marshall Plan’, referred to as the Peace, Recovery and Development
Plan for Northern Uganda (PRDP) in conflict-affected northern region.2
On the other hand, local civil society groups have continued to play significant
roles as far as research, engagement with government, as well development of
an appropriate bill on national reconciliation are concerned. The outcome of the
work of civil society groups so far is seen through the advocacy on amnesty law,
the ICC bill, as well as the creation of the International War Crimes Division.
While the Juba peace talks have stalled without the signing of the final Peace
Agreement, there are arguments that this cannot prevent the government of
Uganda from implementing the five Agenda items that were well articulated in
Juba.
The government of Uganda through the Justice Law and Order Sector
continues to work towards a comprehensive and holistic transitional justice
policy. Uganda’s transitional justice seeks to address issues of accountability
1
The text of agreements referred to here can be found at <http://www.beyondjuba.org/BJP1/
peace_agreements.php>, accessed 15 Apr. 2013.
2
Uganda, Peace, Recovery and Development Plan for Northern Uganda (PRDP), 2007-2010
(Kampala, 2007), Available at <http://www.internal-displacement.org/8025708F004CE90B/
(httpDocuments)/F9933A32534907A8C12573B700779C11/$file/PRDP+Sep+2007.pdf>,
accessed 15 Apr. 2013.
International Conference on Transitional Justice, Zimbabwe
57
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