By Willy Chowoo
AMURU – In a landmark move aimed at preserving cultural heritage and addressing pressing social issues, Uganda’s Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo Chigamoy, together with Dr. Olara Otunnu, co-chairs of the Rocco Paco Foundation, officially launched the Acholi Customary Law on Sunday, December 29, 2024, in Acholiland. The initiative, hailed as a transformative step, seeks to regulate the Acholi community’s cultural, social, and environmental practices while ensuring they align with Uganda’s legal framework and constitutional principles.
During the launch, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo underscored the importance of formalizing Acholi customs to safeguard their legitimacy, integrate them into Uganda’s legal system, and address contemporary challenges. He highlighted that the law would serve as a foundation for resolving disputes, promoting justice, and fostering community cohesion through mediation and reconciliation—pillars of traditional Acholi conflict resolution.
“This law provides a framework for addressing issues unique to our community, such as land disputes, family matters, and traditions. It reflects the rich heritage of the Acholi people while ensuring harmony with the national legal system. It’s a bridge between the past and the future,” he remarked.
Addressing Social Challenges: Alcohol and Substance Abuse
The Acholi Customary Law takes a bold stance on combating alcohol and substance abuse, a persistent issue in the region that has hindered development. The Chief Justice lamented the devastating impact of excessive alcohol consumption, particularly on productive labor, family structures, and health.
“Alcohol consumption is destroying families and reducing productivity in our land. This law will provide a mechanism to curb the harmful effects of excessive drinking and hold offenders accountable,” he stated.
Dr. Olara Otunnu echoed this sentiment, condemning the use of alcohol by politicians as a tool to manipulate voters. He called for ethical leadership, urging politicians to focus on empowering communities rather than exploiting their vulnerabilities.
“Stop giving money to buy alcohol for our people in exchange for votes. Let us prioritize real leadership that uplifts communities rather than fuels their destruction,” Dr. Otunnu said.
He also noted the detrimental effect of alcohol dependency on the youth and able-bodied men and women, many of whom are often found idling in trading centers instead of contributing to agricultural productivity.
The Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu Archdiocese, Dr. John Baptist Odama, highlighted that overspending on alcohol has strained family and personal finances, reducing resources for essentials like food, education, and healthcare. “We are encouraging our people to stop excessive consumption of alcohol,” he noted.
Additionally, the law highlights the impact of excessive alcohol consumption on reproductive health, with many individuals reportedly becoming too weak to fulfill their family obligations.
The law also addresses critical environmental and health issues affecting the region, including bush burning, deforestation, noise pollution, and the use of harmful chemicals in farming. Such practices have had far-reaching consequences on the environment, food security, and community well-being.
A Collaborative Effort Rooted in Tradition
Canon Dr. Gladys Oyat, a co-chair of Ludor Paco—the committee that spearheaded the development of the law—explained that it was formulated through extensive consultations with Acholi elders and community leaders.
“These laws are the collective wisdom of our people, gathered through dialogue with elders, clan leaders, and religious institutions. We are now focused on disseminating the law widely, using radio and engaging clan leaders, religious leaders, and heads of families,” she said.
Dr. Olara Otunnu called upon cultural leaders to urgently implement customary laws to restore the eroded values of the Acholi people. He emphasized that these values, which form the foundation of Acholi identity and community cohesion, have been compromised by modern influences and societal changes.
Dr. Otunnu urged leaders to take immediate action by revisiting and reinforcing traditional practices that promote respect, unity, and moral integrity. He highlighted the critical role of cultural institutions in preserving the heritage and guiding the younger generation toward upholding these values in their daily lives.
Guidelines on Land Management and Equality
Given the critical importance of land in Acholi culture, the law provides detailed guidelines on land ownership, management, and inheritance. It also emphasizes gender equality and human rights, ensuring that traditional practices do not infringe upon constitutional principles.
The law advocates for a return to productive activities, discouraging vices such as gambling, card playing, and unregulated betting, which have trapped many in cycles of poverty.
Pathway to Implementation
Community leaders and stakeholders have hailed the Acholi Customary Law as a vital step toward preserving the identity of the Acholi people while addressing modern challenges. They praised its focus on restoring order, promoting productivity, and protecting vulnerable groups, including women and youth.
The successful implementation of the law will require widespread community engagement. Efforts are already underway to ensure its accessibility and inclusivity, with educational campaigns leveraging radio and community meetings to reach all corners of Acholiland.
As the Acholi Customary Law begins to take root, it sets a precedent for other Ugandan regions to document and formalize their own customary laws, blending tradition with the demands of a modern legal system.
