Buganda Attorney General, German Judge Discuss Traditional Justice System

What the report says

Buganda Kingdom Attorney General Christopher Bwanika has held discussions with German judge Harald Jannet and a visiting delegation of lawyers and a medical specialist about Buganda’s traditional approach to resolving disputes. According to Nile Post, the group is in Uganda researching how traditional cases are handled in Buganda and how those methods might interact with the formal justice system.

The talks focused on the kingdom’s community-based process, including Bitaawuluzi at village level, where local participation helps settle disputes and provide remedies. Bwanika said the Buganda system can play a useful role alongside the courts, particularly at a time when Uganda’s judiciary is dealing with a large backlog of pending cases. He also welcomed cooperation with the German visitors on efforts to improve the legal sector.

Jannet said the delegation appreciated the opportunity to learn about Buganda’s justice traditions and described the system as different from what they are used to in Germany. He characterized the approach as one that seeks fairness and justice. The visitors also toured Bulange, where they received briefings on the structure and operations of the Buganda Kingdom.

More broadly, the report reflects growing interest in alternative dispute resolution and the possible value of community-based mechanisms in easing pressure on formal courts.