Tractionless Transitional Justice in Uganda: The Potential for Thin Sympathetic Interventions as Ameliorating Factor

Abstract

This chapter considers the role that the development of what I have called “thin sympathy” can play in changing the conditions that exist in multi-ethnic, divided societies. The kinds of ameliorating factors considered here and elsewhere in this volume are able to create an environment that is more receptive to initiatives of transitional justice. In particular, thin sympathy acts to produce an understanding of the experiences of other groups within society, and how those experiences have affected them, through the acquisition of knowledge. By acquiring this knowledge, groups are better able to understand the necessity of transitional justice processes for the society as a whole. Thin sympathy is an ameliorating factor that works by changing prevailing attitudes, making the population more open to transitional justice and the goals it seeks to achieve. And it is argued that transitional justice mechanisms will gain more traction as a result.