Law enforcement and justice in West Nile

On Tuesday 6 September 2016, I attended a series of presentations on the administration of justice in the West Nile. 

 

The event include speeches from Nebbi's Chief Magistrate, Aura's Chief Justice and representatives of the Ugandan Law Society and the police and prison services.

It was interesting to learn that crime levels in Nebbi are relatively low, especially when compared to other areas.  The Chief Justice spoke of the efforts that had been made across the criminal justice system over the last 5 years to reduce the time it takes from arrest to bring a person to court.  Up to a few years ago in West Nile (and indeed remains the case in many parts of Uganda), delays of between 7 to 9 years between arrest and conviction were not unusual.  Today, for the most serious cases, the delay is between 2 or 3 years.

Land disputes predominate both in the civil and criminal courts. Violence between tribes over the customary tenure of land are commonplace.  Indeed, as I posted previously, a Catechist from a neighbouring parish was murdered and his wife seriously injured when he attempted to prevent men for another tribe occupying land long held by members of his own tribe.

In addition, sadly, many of the rural communities in the West Nile are tempted by offers of what to them are significant sums of money for their land and sell without understanding the full implications.  Many of the farmers are illiterate and so unable to understand the agreements they are asked to sign and certainly don't recognise the need to seek professional advice.

Uganda does have a legal aid service and indeed has had this provision since 1992.  However, lawyers are in the main centres such as Nebbi, Gulu and Aura and for many the journey to these centres is impossible due to distance and an absence of transport.