Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Richard Buteera (standing 4th from the Left) at the Court of Appeal Session in Masaka High Court
The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Richard Buteera, flagged off a Criminal Appeals Session at Masaka High Court, where 28 criminal appeals are going to be handled.
The three-day session is being presided over by Lady Justice Hellen Obura, Justice Muzamiru Kibeedi, and Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe.
The cause list, signed by the Court's Deputy Registrar, HW Lillian Bucyana, indicates that of the 28 appeals to be handled, Aggravated Defilement constitutes half of the appeals with 14 cases. Murder follows with 10 appeals, Rape with two, Manslaughter and Incest, each with one appeal.
Addressing a stakeholder meeting at Masaka High Court, DCJ emphasized the Judiciary's plans to extend the Court of Appeal to other regions, increase the number of judicial officers and courts nationwide, and enhance the jurisdiction of Magistrate Grade Ones and Chief Magistrates. These efforts, he said, aim to alleviate case backlogs and improve access to justice.
He also highlighted the Court of Appeal's heavy workload and limited human resources, impacting swift justice delivery. However, he noted efforts to appoint seven more Justices to the current 13 this financial year.
Justice Buteera advocated for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as Plea Bargaining, Mediation, and Small Claims Procedure, citing their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and role in fostering community harmony.
He also informed them about a Case Settlement Week for civil disputes from August5-9, 2024, aimed at promoting ADR to expedite fair justice delivery with public participation.
Responding to concerns about juveniles being wrongly imprisoned due to age verification failures, Lady Justice Hellen Obura urged police to accurately determine ages to ensure appropriate handling of cases and uphold justice.
Lady Justice Katamba Victoria Nakintu Nkwanga (Head Masaka High Court Circuit)expressed gratitude to the Court of Appeal for its second session in Masaka, highlighting its commitment to serving the people of Uganda and ensuring timely justice.
Masaka Chief Magistrate HW Natwijuka Aloysius Baryeza noted the challenges faced by the Masaka High Court Circuit, including a shortage of state attorneys, and support staff, inadequate space for archives and inadequate infrastructure.
Uganda Law Society Representative, Mr Yawe Lawrence commended the Court of Appeal for enhancing accessibility to justice in Masaka and requested civil sessions be included in future court sessions.
Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja emphasized the necessity of establishing a rehabilitation centre in Masaka especially for juvenile offenders.
In his remarks, the Masaka Regional Prisons Commander, Mr. Godfrey Obbo highlighted the rising numbers of vulnerable inmates, such as the elderly and disabled, emphasizing the need for expedited handling of their cases.
He also called for regular criminal sessions to address prison overcrowding and prevent potential unrest among inmates.
The meeting was attended by; Justice Lawrence Tweyanze (Resident Judge, Masaka), HWRukundo Allen Owembabazi (Ag Registrar Court of Appeal), HW Bucyana.
Chief Magistrates; HW Ninsiima Marion (Sembabule), HW Vueni Raphael (Rakai) and HW Gakyaro Allan Mpiirwe (Personal Assistant to the DCJ) among others, were present.
Also present was the Masaka Resident District Commissioner, Ms. Topista Lule Ssekungu. It was moderated by HW Karungi Loe, the Deputy Registrar Masaka
Posted 15th, July 2024
