Buganda Prime Minister, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, has emphasized the need for a balance between culture and law to ensure justice.
He made this call while addressing Law students at Nkumba University’s 19th Lawyers’ Day celebrations on Tuesday 19th November 2024.
Katikkiro Mayiga stressed that culture is unique to each region, and therefore, “there is no such a thing as Ugandan culture.”
He urged Uganda’s Parliament to consider cultural contexts when formulating laws and to involve cultural and community leaders in the process.
“Uganda’s Parliament has the sole responsibility of making laws on any matters related to peace, order and good gorvernance of Uganda, ” therefore, while formulating laws, it is important for Parliament to consider the cultural contexts and involve both cultural and community leaders in the process since this can help ensure cultural sensitivity and appropriation.”
The Katikkiro also advocated for the incorporation of local languages in the education system to preserve cultural values noting that “education can help dispel misconceptions and provide clarity to complex cultural dilemmas.”
He further advised that traditional dispute resolution mechanisms should be formalized and adopted for the present age citing a 2020 survey which found that almost 70% of legal problems in Uganda do not receive a resolution perceived as fair.
“Traditional dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration can be used to resolve conflicts in away that is culturally appropriate and fair, I am glad to mention that the chief Justice of Uganda is taking this direction.” Said Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francis Kasekende, welcomed Owek. Mayiga and thanked him for gracing the occasion.
Prof. Kasekende also challenged law students to rise to cultural-related legal challenges with competence.
“As law students, you are not only the inheritors of legal knowledge but custodians of culture, I have all the confidence that as you engage legal brilliance like Owek. Katikkiro, you will draw not only strength but knowledge and wisdom to raise to these challenges with competence and integrity.”
Having been called to the bar in 1992, the Law Society of Nkumba University based on his legal seniority and expertise to accord him the onus of presiding over the institution’s 19th Lawyers’ Day Celebrations.
Themed “Culture and the Law: Bridging Traditions and Modern Law,” the event attracted area leaders, ministers from the Buganda government, management and staff of Nkumba University, and students.