Court of Appeal Successfully Concluded Masindi Criminal Session
Hon. Justice Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, the Deputy Chief inspecting the guard of honor at the Masindi Court of Appeal Session
For the last two days, a panel of Court of Appeal Justices headed by the Deputy Chief, Hon. Justice Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, and Hon. Lady Justices Hellen Obura and Hon. Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja were in Masindi handling criminal appeals.
Of the 25 appeals cause listed, the Court completed 15 and reserved judgements in 10 appeals. Twelve appeals were dismissed while 3 appeals were allowed.
In one of the dismissed appeals, the appellant was seeking a reduction of the sentence of 35years for the offence of Rape. The appellant was convicted of raping a pregnant woman in front of her father in law. The victim, seven months pregnant, had been undressed and raped twice. Court noted that the appellant was a habitual offender, serving a sentence of six years for attempted rape in a different case.
In a post session feedback meeting, the Advocates noted that the session was historical being the first of its kind to be held by an appellate Court in Masindi. They thanked the Justices for the timely disposal of the appeals, and for guiding the Advocates, many of whom were appearing before the Court of Appeal for the first time.
The Justices on the other hand thanked the Advocates for time keeping and early preparation/filing of submissions that enabled the Justices to study the files ahead of the hearing.
On calls for more external sessions, the Hon DCJ noted that the Court was constrained owing to limited number of Justices of Appeal.
Posted 27th, March 2024
