national 10 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's Judiciary to Tackle Burial Ground Disputes via Alternative Justice
The Judiciary of Uganda is set to utilize Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) to resolve escalating conflicts over burial grounds, moving away from protracted court battles. This approach aims to leverage traditional leaders and customary practices for swifter, community-based resolutions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/judiciary-eyes-ajs-to-address-conflicts-over-burial-grounds-5453890
Uganda’s judiciary is embracing Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) to address the increasing number of disputes surrounding burial grounds. These conflicts often arise after a person’s death, leading to lengthy legal battles and emotional distress.
Recent high-profile cases, including disputes over the burial of businessman Bosco Ssenyonjo and Severino Okoya Kiberu, highlight the need for a more efficient resolution mechanism. Currently, Uganda lacks a single comprehensive law governing burial sites, forcing courts to rely on precedents, customary law, and public health regulations.
Chief Justice Phillip Odoki announced that such matters will now be handled through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and AJS. “Dispute of burial grounds when one dies, AJS should deal with that,” Justice Odoki stated during a recent ADR rollout in Northern Uganda.
The AJS aims to foster collaboration between the formal court system and informal, community-based justice mechanisms. By engaging traditional leaders, the judiciary hopes to facilitate resolutions that are affordable, timely, and resonate with local values and social understanding.
Principal Judge Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo emphasized that AJS aligns with the judiciary’s broader strategy to integrate culturally relevant dispute resolution methods. This approach prioritizes reconciliation, community participation, and the restoration of relationships, reflecting deeply embedded values in traditional African societies.
Source: Daily Monitor