The Ministry of Local Government, under the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, with funding from the Government of Uganda and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is strengthening the capacity of Local Council Court members in Oyam District to enhance access to justice and community-level dispute resolution.
The two-day training is targeting members of selected Model Local Council Courts, equipping them with practical knowledge and skills to effectively handle justice-related matters within their communities.
Ms Sandra Namarome, Programme Officer, Spotlight Initiative 2.0 at the Ministry of Local Government, highlighted the importance of strengthening Local Council Courts as accessible structures for justice and community dispute resolution. She noted that, as structures operating close to communities, Local Council Courts have an important role in the prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV), including identifying cases that require referral and linking survivors to appropriate services and formal justice structures.
The sessions are being facilitated by Ms Naome Natukunda, Senior Research Officer under the Local Councils Development Department at the Ministry of Local Government. She is guiding participants on the mandate and practical role of Local Council Courts in resolving community disputes, including customary land matters, and on their responsibility to respond appropriately to GBV cases through fair and survivor-centred approaches, appropriate referral and linkage to relevant service providers and justice institutions.
As Day One of the training continues, participants are engaging in discussions on customary land disputes and gender-based violence. The sessions are exploring the respective roles of Local Council Courts and cultural leaders in customary land matters, while discussions on GBV are emphasising the importance of fair, impartial and accessible justice for all.
Participants are also being equipped with practical knowledge through newly developed digital training modules designed to strengthen community-level access to justice, case handling and referral.
The training is currently underway at Jareen Hotel in Anok Sub-County, Oyam District, and will continue through Friday, 18 September 2026.
