Minister Mao Calls for Transfer of National Transitional Justice Bill to Ministry of Justice.

The 5th Regional Transitional Justice working group in Northern Uganda met on Wednesday in Gulu City.

The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, has urged the government to transfer the National Transitional Justice Bill (NTJB) from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to accelerate its passage into law.

Hon. Mao made the call on Wednesday during the 5th Regional Transitional Justice Working Group Meeting held in Gulu City. He emphasized that placing the Bill under his ministry would enable it to effectively push for its approval and implementation.

“When the Bill is transferred to the Ministry of Justice, we shall have full responsibility to push for it and ensure it becomes law,” Mao said.

He explained that the National Transitional Justice Bill, 2025, focuses on three key components — reparations, institutional reforms, and conflict prevention mechanisms — all designed to promote healing and national reconciliation.

Hon. Mao also urged the Transitional Justice Working Group and other stakeholders to continue advocating for the Bill’s passage to ensure that victims of past conflicts across Uganda receive comprehensive government support.

Hon. Father Charles Onen, Member of Parliament for Pece-Laroo Division, revealed that the draft Bill is ready for presentation to the Attorney General and Cabinet, adding that the Parliamentary Committee working on the Bill has been tasked with conducting extensive consultations with key stakeholders.

“The Bill seeks to address injustices committed during various conflicts and ensure reparations for victims, among other critical areas,” Father Onen noted.

Ms. Pamela Angwech, Executive Director of Gulu Women Economic Development and Globalization (GWED-G), reiterated the urgency of passing the Bill, noting that many war victims in Northern Uganda still need psychosocial and economic support.

Header advertisement

“Victims of the war in Northern Uganda need urgent government support, and the Transitional Justice Bill provides a framework to achieve that once enacted,” she said.

If passed, the National Transitional Justice Bill will provide a legal framework for truth-telling, reparations, reconciliation, and institutional reforms — key steps toward achieving lasting peace and justice in Uganda.