Hon. Justice Kiryabwire, charing the meeting
The Court of Appeal held a Court Users' Committee Meeting at Twed Towers in Kampala. The meeting aimed at getting feedback from Justice actors on the Court's services as well as update them on the Court's performance and operations.
The meeting was chaired by Hon. Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire who emphasized the Court's commitment in engaging its users for effective and efficient operations.
Hon. Justice Kiryabwire highlighted the impact of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), such as increased filings and a successful transition to digital payments. He also acknowledged occasional misfiling issues related to network challenges.
He underscored the Court's efforts to manage workload through sessions, expressing optimism about improvement with the increase in the number of Justices.
Hon. Justice Kiryabwire also noted that the Court aims to enhance Civil sessions this year (2024)compared to the previous year (2023).
He commended the work done in Appellate Mediation, with growing registrations and a notable high case disposal rate and urged Court users to embrace it and other Alternative Dispute Resolution initiatives.
During the meeting, Court users expressed appreciation for ECCMIS, acknowledging its positive impact.
They applauded the case disposal rate at the Court of Appeal but raised awareness gaps on ADR especially, Appellate Mediation. Non-compliance with timelines was also noted, suggesting attaching costs for enforcement.
On the issue of some advocates evading service, it was clarified that service can be to an employee in chambers.
Court Users praised the Court of Appeal for timely judgments but highlighted challenges of incorrect or missing records due to lax record-keeping.
It was proposed that new Justices be mentored to catch up and understand procedures. Additionally, feedback should be provided to trial judges when appeals against their judgments succeed, aiming to prevent recurring errors and ensure alignment.
Concerns about sentencing guidelines, plea bargains and inconsistency in sentencing were also raised.
In attendance were Justices; Hon. Lady Justice Catherine K. Bamugemereire, Hon. Justice Muzamiru Kibeedi, Hon.Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja (physically), along with, Hon. Lady Justice Eva Luswata, and Hon. Justice Oscar Kihika (virtually).
Also present were Ms. Norah Matovu Winyi (Commissioner from Judicial Service Commission), HW Rosemary Bareebe (Registrar High Court), HW Dr. Mushabe Alex Karocho (Private Legal Secretary to the DCJ), HW Lillian Bucyana (Deputy Registrar Court of Appeal),Mr. Martin Mwamutsya (Director Civil Litigation, Attorney General's Chambers),and Ms. Augutoko Immaculate (a Representative from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions), among others.
HW Rukundo Allen Owembabazi (Acting Registrar, Court of Appeal) moderated the meeting.
Posted 25th, January 2024
