In the Multiple Systems of Justice in Uganda Whither Justice for Women?

Abstract

The conflict in Northern Uganda that lasted for more than twenty years between the Lord’s Resistance Army, the rebel group and the Uganda People’s Defense Force UPDF, ended with the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in 2006. The article is based on the rapid assessment survey undertaken by The Federacion Internacional de Abogadas (The Association of Women Lawyers, FIDA-Uganda). The survey revealed enormous challenges faced by survivors in accessing the different systems of justice in Northern Uganda. For women, justice remains an intangible dream. Justice at an international level did not take off and therefore could not address crimes against women. Justice from the courts in Northern Uganda is fraught with challenges that frustrate women at all levels – from reporting the violations to the filing of cases in court and the process in the courts itself. Traditional justice is inherently biased and anti-women. Other institutions and NGOs attempts to assist women access the justice system have had limited and short-lived success. The article concludes that while the multiple systems of justice functioning simultaneously and effectively complimenting each other had a critical role in sustaining peace, each of the systems have failed to include and address women’s views, interests and needs for justice.