The National Transitional Justice Policy (NTJP) is a comprehensive framework implemented by the Government of Uganda to address the justice, accountability, and reconciliation needs of post-conflict Uganda. The formulation of the policy was the result of extensive consultative, participatory, and inclusive processes undertaken by the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS).
The formulation process was informed by various studies, including those on transitional justice in conflict-affected regions, the use of formal criminal prosecutions in addressing impunity, traditional justice and truth-telling in promoting accountability, and studies on amnesty and reparations. The findings and recommendations from workshops, conferences, and individual consultations with diverse stakeholders were used as the foundation for the policy.
The main objectives of the policy are to enhance legal and political accountability, promote reconciliation, foster social reintegration, and contribute to peace and security in the country. To achieve these goals, the policy outlines specific interventions across different justice processes:
a) Under the Formal Justice process, the government ensures the protection of witnesses and active participation of victims in legal proceedings, with a focus on removing barriers to justice access for vulnerable individuals.
b) The policy recognizes traditional justice mechanisms as valuable tools for conflict resolution, supporting their integration into the overall transitional justice framework.
c) For reconciliation and nation-building efforts, the government is committed to establishing and resourcing processes that facilitate reconciliation and healing.
d) To address the needs of victims affected by conflict, the policy establishes and implements a reparations program.
e) The policy discourages blanket amnesty and encourages individuals granted amnesty to participate in truth-seeking and traditional justice processes.
The policy was officially passed by the Cabinet in 2019, marking a significant step towards addressing the challenges of transitional justice in Uganda. It provides a legitimate reference point for addressing all matters related to transitional justice and assigns specific responsibilities to various stakeholders, ensuring a coordinated and systematic approach to its implementation.
The study was published in a report which available for download on the Commission website;
www.ulrc.go.ug
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