Chiefs and Police Urged to Work Together in Morobo

(MOROBO COUNTY) – Members of the community in Morobo have expressed growing concern over what they describe as a weak and ineffective local judicial system. The concerns were raised at a one day consultative meeting held at the Charismatic Church of Morobo and organised by Finn Church Aid and its partners.

The gathering aimed to raise awareness on common disputes and how they can be handled within existing traditional leadership structures.

It brought together members of the County Council of Traditional Leaders, headed by Paramount Chief Naftali Yakani, as well as representatives from several community groups, including the County Police Gender Desk.

Ajonye Mary, who spoke on behalf of faith groups, said the current state of the traditional justice system has pushed many citizens to bypass local chiefs and take their disputes straight to the police.

Chief Yakani admitted during the meeting that the justice system at the grassroots level is not functioning well. He said limited funding has weakened the system and left some traditional leaders unwilling or unable to carry out their roles.

Nadia Pita from the County Police Gender Desk also criticised the performance of local chiefs, saying many residents now prefer to report complaints directly to the police because they no longer have confidence in traditional authorities.

Chief Yakani further warned both sub chiefs and executive chiefs against placing extra fees on citizens, saying it creates mistrust and pushes people away from traditional justice channels.

Participants at the meeting called for stronger cooperation between traditional leaders, the police and civil society organisations. They said better coordination is needed to restore public trust in Morobo’s local justice system and ensure residents can resolve disputes fairly and quickly.