A three-day Court of Appeal criminal session has opened in Masaka in a bid to tackle the case backlog.
The session was launched on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024, by the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Richard Buteera.
The session, led by Lady Justice Hellen Obura, Justice Muzamiru Kibeedi, and Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe, aims to promote alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as plea bargaining, mediation, and small claims procedures, citing their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and role in fostering community harmony.
Justice Buteera emphasized the Judiciary’s commitment to improving access to justice throughout Uganda by expanding the Court of Appeal to additional regions.
He also informed them about a Case Settlement Week for civil disputes, which will begin from August 5–9, 2024, aimed at promoting ADR to expedite fair justice delivery with public participation.
Buteera noted that the current case backlog will soon be handled after increasing the number of judicial officers and courts nationwide, enhancing the jurisdiction of Magistrate Grade Ones and Chief Magistrates.
However, Justice Buteera acknowledged the Court of Appeal’s heavy workload and limited resources, which have continued to hinder swift case resolution.
The majority of appeals involve 14 cases of aggravated defilement, with murder cases following closely at 10. Rape, manslaughter, and incest each have one appeal on the docket, Buteera said.
Masaka Chief Magistrate HW Natwijuka Aloysius Baryeza and others also complained about the shortage of state attorneys and support staff at Masaka High Court Circuit, limited space for archives, and inadequate infrastructure.
The meeting aimed to foster collaboration between the Court of Appeal and stakeholders to address these concerns and improve the justice system in Masaka and beyond.
