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Article
Tradition?! Traditional Cultural Institutions on Customary Practices in Uganda
Africa Spectrum (2014)
  • Joanna R. Quinn, Western University
Abstract
This contribution traces the importance of traditional institutions in rehabilitating societies in general terms and more particularly in post-independence Uganda. The current regime, partly by inventing “traditional” cultural institutions, partly by co-opting them for its own interests, contributed to a loss of legitimacy of those who claim responsibility for customary law. More recently, international prosecutions have complicated the use of customary mechanisms within such societies. This article shows that some traditional and cultural leaders continue to struggle to restore their original institutions, some having taken the initiative of inventing new forms of engaging with society. Uganda is presented as a test case for the International Criminal Court’s ability to work with traditional judicial institutions in Africa.

Keywords
  • Uganda,
  • conflict management,
  • peacekeeping,
  • cultural tradition,
  • peace and conflict research
Publication Date
November, 2014
Publisher Statement
The online version of this and the other articles can be found at: http://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/afsp/
Citation Information
Joanna R. Quinn. "Tradition?! Traditional Cultural Institutions on Customary Practices in Uganda" Africa Spectrum Vol. 49 Iss. 3 (2014) p. 29 - 54 ISSN: 1868-6869
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/joanna-quinn/1/