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Minister of Justice Norbert Mao praised President Museveni’s Pan-African vision during the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. He highlighted Uganda’s role as a regional stabilizer, hosting over 1.7 million refugees, and emphasized the country’s progress in SDG 16 through e-governance, peacebuilding, access to justice, and strengthening institutions.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, commended President Yoweri Museveni’s Pan-African vision during his speech at the United Nations (UN) High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York on July 11, 2024. His remarks were made during a thematic session focused on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

SDG 16 aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

“Let this meeting note that Uganda is an anchor star in a volatile region. That is why Uganda is home to over 1.7 million refugees. Our willingness to sacrifice to promote peace and stability is based on the Pan-African vision of our President and our country,” stated Mao.

He emphasized that while the goal of achieving the SDGs is shared, different countries face unique challenges. “The ground is not leveled. Some countries are running downhill; others are running uphill. Those running uphill require more support than those running downhill,” Mao, who also serves as the president of the opposition Democratic Party, explained.

Mao highlighted Uganda’s significant progress in attaining SDG 16, focusing on e-governance, peacebuilding, access to justice, and strengthening institutions. “Our statement today is, however, about context. Text without context is pretext,” he noted, referencing his background as a former presidential candidate.

He pointed out that only 10% of Ugandans seek redress through the formal court system, preferring traditional justice systems that emphasize social harmony and restorative justice. “Uganda is, therefore, investing heavily in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms,” he added, citing the biblical principle, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all the rest shall fall in line.”

Mao raised the issue of the rule of law and access to justice in contexts plagued by insurgents and violent non-state actors. He mentioned that, at the time of his speech, Uganda was mourning a soldier of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Major Patrick Opio Awany, who was killed by an improvised explosive device while delivering supplies to troops combating Al Shabaab terrorists in Somalia. Major Awany was the brother of Richard Todwong, the Secretary General of the ruling National Resistance Movement party.