DCJ Flags Off Jinja's First Civil Appeals and Applications Session, Calls for Promotion of ADR
24th, March 2025
The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Richard Buteera has officially opened the first Court of Appeal Civil Appeals and Applications Session at Jinja High Court, marking a significant milestone for the Circuit.
The session, running until March 26, 2025, will handle 25 appeals that include 13 civil applications arising from some of the appeals.
Lady Justice Eva Luswata, Justice Oscar Kihika, and Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi are presiding over the Session.
According to Court of Appeal Registrar, HW Rukundo Allen Owembabazi, the cause list is dominated by land-related disputes, with other cases involving defamation, recovery of money, jurisdiction, and breach of contract.
In a stakeholders' meeting, Justice Buteera emphasized the Court of Appeal's commitment to decentralizing justice services, a process initiated last year with civil appeal sessions in Gulu and Mbarara.
He reaffirmed plans to establish permanent Regional Courts of Appeal, starting with Gulu and Mbarara this Financial Year, followed by Mbale, Jinja, Masaka, Fort Portal, Arua, and Mubende, subject to funding.
He also noted that the Court of Appeal recently expanded to 21justices, with efforts underway to reach the statutory ceiling of 35, which will enhance access to justice across the country.
Commending Jinja High Court Circuit for its efforts in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Justice Buteera underscored its role in speedy case resolution and active party involvement. He clarified that mediation can begin at any stage of a case, even before it is filed in court.
To strengthen ADR, he announced ongoing training programs for mediators, with accreditation from the Chief Justice, and discussions with legal training institutions, including the Law Development Centre (LDC), to integrate mediation into legal education.
On concerns about case backlog at the Court of Appeal, Justice Buteera noted that increasing the number of justices and securing additional funding would help expedite case resolutions. He also highlighted the need for more staffing at the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Attorney General's Chambers, as an adequate number of State Attorneys is critical for efficient court operations.
Jinja High Court Deputy Registrar, HW Mukanza Robert, outlined key challenges at the Court including: Inadequate infrastructure at both the High Court and Chief Magistrates' Court, Limited office equipment, including computers and archival storage, Disruptions in the Court Case Administration System (CCAS) and Delays in the release of operational funds.
Jinja Chief Magistrate, HW Angura Fionah Sheila noted that ADR has significantly reduced case backlog, particularly in civil cases, while plea bargaining and community service have improved the management of criminal matters. She called for further training of mediators to enhance ADR effectiveness.
The Jinja Resident City Commissioner, Mr. Richard Gulume Balyainho, commended the Judiciary's collaboration with the police in crime prevention. He, however, raised concerns over rising land disputes, which often escalate into criminal cases due to delayed resolutions. He also highlighted the increase in gender-based violence cases and called for stronger interventions.
Representing the ODPP, Mr. Ojok Alex Michael, the regional officer for Jinja pointed out a shortage of State Attorneys, noting that some courts still rely on police prosecutors.
SSP Monday Johnson Agola, speaking on behalf of the Uganda Police Force, urged the Judiciary to expedite civil cases, as delays often trigger criminal conflicts.
Uganda Law Society representative, Counsel Eddie Nangulu, observed that some advocates hesitate to embrace Mediation, largely due to the way it is promoted. He emphasized the need to position Mediation as an alternative rather than a replacement for litigation and called for more Court of Appeal civil sessions and faster appeal hearings.
The meeting was attended by several Judicial Officers and stakeholders, including: Justice David Matovu (Head, Mukono Circuit), HW Rukundo Allen Owembabazi (Registrar), HW Mushabe Alex Karocho (Private Legal Secretary to the DCJ), HW Kyampaire Dorothy (Assistant Registrar, Jinja) and HW Allan Gakyaro (Personal Assistant to the DCJ).
Other participants included Rev. Canon James Kivunike (Mediator at Jinja High Court) and SSP Ogwapit Deogratius (Regional Prisons Commander, South Eastern Region).
This historic session underscores the Judiciary's commitment to improving access to justice, strengthening ADR mechanisms, and addressing systemic case management challenges.
