The Judiciary has intensified the rollout of Alternative Justice Systems, or AJS, in the Gulu High Court Circuit as a solution to rising case backlogs and limited access to justice.
Philip Odoki, the Resident Judge Gulu says the circuit is currently handling nearly two thousand cases with only two judges and one magistrate, describing the situation as overwhelming.
He explains that the formal court system has become congested due to a “one-door approach,” where most disputes are forced through courts, leading to delays.
Jane Frances Abodo, the Principal Judge says AJS will work alongside formal courts to resolve disputes faster, especially land and family-related cases which are common in the region.
She emphasizes that AJS is not a replacement for courts but a complementary system rooted in community practices that promote reconciliation and harmony.
Abodo adds that the approach is backed by the Constitution, which encourages reconciliation and substantive justice.
Meanwhile, Andrew Khaukha, the Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute says research shows that most Ugandans already rely on informal justice systems, making AJS a practical solution.
By Okello Jesus Ojara
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