Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, Flags Off a Criminal Appeals Session at Kabale High Court.
The Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, inspecting the guard at the opening of the Court of Appeal session at Kabale High Court
The Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, flagged off a Criminal Appeals Session at Kabale High Court, where 33 appeals are going to be handled.
The three-day session was presided over by Justices; Hon. Justice Muzamiru Kibeedi, Hon. Justice Christopher Gashirabake, and Hon. Justice Oscar Kihika.
The cause list, signed by the Court's Deputy Registrar, HW Lillian Bucyana, shows that of the 33appeals to be handled; Murder tops the the list with (17), followed by Defilement with 11. The other cases to be handled are Robbery with (three),Rape (one) and manslaughter (one).
The DCJ applauded the timely submissions from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and advocates, along with the efforts of other justice actors, that have enabled the scheduled session.
To address case backlog, the DCJ informed court users about ongoing discussions to revise the jurisdiction of the Magistrate's Court, allowing High Courts to focus on hearing appeals from these courts.
He also urged court users to embrace innovative solutions such as Small Claims Procedure, Mediation, Plea Bargaining and Arbitration, which he said has a high success story in America.
Hon. Justice Buteera added that training on these innovations, with support from Pepperdine University, is being done to promote quick and harmonious dispute resolution.
The DCJ called for the expeditious disposal of cases, speedy trials, and adherence to the law.
He also encouraged advocates to attend the scheduled meeting with presiding Justices at the end of the session for constructive dialogue on improvements.
Mr Nelson Nshangabasheija, the LCV Chairperson of Kabale District, requested for the extension of the COA to Kabale, expressing the district's readiness to allocate land for this purpose.
Additionally, he requested the Judiciary to consider posting a Magistrate Grade I in every sub-county within the district, citing the challenging terrain and the need for enhanced accessibility of court services in remote areas.
Kigezi Regional Deputy CID, Mr. Iga Gonzaga, expressed gratitude to the Justices of the Court of Appeal for taking the session extending their services to the region, thereby taking services closer to the people they serve.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Police with stakeholders in crime management in the Kigezi sub-region and ensuring case follow-up.
Mr. Gonzaga commended the Court’s role in promoting timely justice and expressed hope that their efforts continue to address case in backlog.
Mr. Justus Muhangi, an advocate welcomed the expansion of Magistrates' courts to Sub-counties to enhance access to justice for people in the region.
The meeting was attended by various justice actors from the Office of the Director of PublicProsecutions, Uganda Police Force, advocates, political leaders' Religious leaders and members of the public, among others.
In attendance; Deputy Registrars; HW Dr. Mushabe Alex Karocho (Private Legal Secretary to the DCJ),HW Bucyana (Court of Appeal), HW Twinomuhwezi Henry (Assistant Registrar Kabale High Court).
Also present; HW Gakyaro Allan (Personal Assistant to the DCJ), HW Byamugisha Derick, (Chief Magistrate Kabale), HW Komakech Kenneth (Chief Magistrate Kisoro), among others.
Posted 27th, November 2023
