Court of Appeal to Hold One-Day Weed-Out Criminal Session to Clear Dormant Cases
27th, March 2026
The Court of Appeal, sitting in Kampala, will on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, conduct a one-day weed-out session aimed at clearing dormant criminal appeals that can no longer proceed.
The session will handle 26 matters that have accumulated over time, many of which have been rendered inactive due to various circumstances affecting the appellants. Of these, three involve appellants reported to have escaped from prison, thirteen relate to individuals who have since completed their sentences and been released, eight involve deceased appellants, while two appeals have been withdrawn.
The exercise is intended to streamline the Court's docket by determining the proper status of each matter and removing those that cannot proceed, thereby strengthening case management and contributing to the timely delivery of justice.
The session is expected to bring together key justice sector stakeholders, including representatives from the Uganda Prisons Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, members of the Bar, and affected appellants where applicable.
Proceedings will be presided over by a panel of three Justices comprising Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, and Lady Justice Stella Alibateese.
According to the cause list signed by HW Rukundo Allen Owembabazi, Registrar of the Court of Appeal, aggravated defilement constitutes the highest number of cases scheduled for consideration, with thirteen appeals. Murder and aggravated robbery each account for six appeals, while one appeal arises from a conviction for rape.
The cause list further indicates that the Appeals were filed between 2010 and 2022.
The session forms part of the Court's broader efforts to reduce case backlog and enhance the timely delivery of justice.
