ICD Court Urges Victims to Task MPs on Enactment of Transitional Justice Act

The International Crime Division of the High Court (ICD) has urged victims of Thomas Kwoyelo to task Members of Parliament to fast-track the enactment of the Transitional Justice Act. 

Speaking to victims during the ICD outreach in Pabbo Sub County in Amuru district, Justice Susan Okalany of the ICD Court revealed that the court has done its part in ensuring that justice prevails and convicted Kwoyelo.

Justice Okalany also noted that the court has also made reparation orders which can only be achieved when the transitional Justice Bill is enacted into an Act of Parliament hence it will make it easier to hold the government accountable.

“I am here to confirm to you that the court has passed its verdict in the case of Kwoyelo and ordered the reparation of victims. The court also found that Kwoyelo does not have the resources to compensate the victims, thus the government was ordered to pay the victims,” Justice Okalany said.

According to Justice Okalany, the sole success of the reparation order by the court lies in the hands of the victims who can persuade their members of parliament to fast-track the enactment of the Transitional Justice Act. 

She further noted that by creating a mechanism for truth-telling, the transitional justice law will allow victims and communities to confirm the past, understand what happened promote healing and foster reconciliation.

“We are approaching election time, use this period to hold your MPs accountable on the TJ Act because it will ensure a victim-centred reparation and address your need for compensation, rehabilitation, and integration into the society,” Justice Okalany urged the victims.

According to Justice Okalany, with the TJ Act in place, it will not now be a question of constituencies where somebody has committed crimes but it will be a nationwide victim-centred reparation process, especially for communities that have suffered war.

In addition, she stated that the TJ Act will promote institutional reform and call for reforms in institutions such as the judiciary, security and other government bodies to prevent the reoccurrence of violence and ensure the protection of human rights.

The Transitional Justice Policy (2019) addresses the legal and institutional framework for investigations, prosecutions, trials within the formal system, reparations and alternative justice approaches.

Therefore, these matters are clustered into five key areas including formal justice, traditional justice, nation-building and reconciliation, amnesty and reparations and the ultimate goal to pave the way for the achievement of peace, stability and social cohesion in 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) to enhance legal and political accountability, promote reconciliation, foster social reintegration and contribute to peace and security in Uganda.

The National Transitional Policy (NTJP) is a comprehensive framework implemented by the Government of Uganda to address the justice, accountability and reconciliation needs of post-conflict Uganda.