The Ministry of Local Government has concluded a two-day capacity-building training for members of Model Local Council Courts in Rigbo Sub-County, Madi-Okollo District, under the Spotlight Initiative 2.0.

The final day brought together Local Council Court members for practical discussions aimed at strengthening their ability to handle community disputes fairly, responsibly and in accordance with their mandate.

Facilitated by Mr Benjamin Ekyokutangaza, Senior Research Officer (Legal) under the Local Councils Development Department at the Ministry of Local Government, the sessions focused on practical case handling, customary land disputes, gender-based violence (GBV), referral pathways and the importance of linking survivors and community members to appropriate service providers and justice institutions.

Participants actively shared experiences from their communities and explored practical approaches to resolving disputes while upholding fairness, impartiality, confidentiality and accessibility. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that GBV cases are handled in a survivor-centred manner and referred appropriately, rather than being subjected to unsuitable informal resolution processes.

The training also provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the role of Local Council Courts in promoting peaceful communities and improving access to justice at the grassroots level.

As the training concluded today, participants expressed renewed commitment to applying the knowledge and skills gained to strengthen community-level justice and dispute resolution in Rigbo Sub-County and beyond.