The Role of Traditional Justice in Uganda, given Rwanda's Experience of Gacaca

Jean-Rodolphe W. Fiechter LL.M., New York University

Abstract

After a short examination of the role of criminal prosecution in the ambit of transitional justice, and the exposition of the main characteristics of traditional justice, this article takes a close look at the mechanisms set up by Rwanda. What goals did the government pursue, how did it implement gacaca and how did this mechanism work in practice? The lessons from gacaca will help us to understand what priorities Uganda should set on its way to peace, if and how it should implement mato oput, and what pitfalls ought to be avoided.