Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Richard Buteera (standing far left)
The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Richard Buteera, today flagged off a Criminal Appeals Session at Masaka High Court, where 27 criminal appeals are going to be handled.
The three-day session is being presided over by Lady Justice Hellen Obura, Justice Christopher Gashirabake, and Lady Justice Eva Luswata.
The cause list signed by the Court's Deputy Registrar, HW Lillian Bucyana, indicates that out of the 27 appeals scheduled for hearing, defilement has the highest number with 20 cases. Rape follows with three cases, murder (two), while aggravated robbery and murder, aggravated and attempted murder have one appeal each.
Four appellants are seeking to overturn life imprisonment sentences, one for murder and aggravated robbery, two for aggravated defilement, and one for murder.
Speaking during a stakeholders' meeting at Masaka High Court, the DCJ noted that the Court of Appeal will increase appeal sessions across the country, highlighting the recent expansion of its bench from 13 to 20 justices as a step toward improving service delivery. He expressed optimism that when the number of justices reaches 35, more sessions would be held regularly in different regions.
Addressing concerns about the delayed construction of the Court of Appeal in Masaka, he explained that while land has been allocated, the Judiciary is still securing funds. This financial year, construction for regional Court of Appeal Circuits will begin in Gulu and Mbarara. He also noted that the Masaka High Court currently operates from a Chief Magistrate’s Court and that plans for Masaka include constructing facilities for both the High Court and the Court of Appeal once funds become available.
Responding to a request from Uganda Law Society Representative for a civil appeals session in Masaka, Justice Buteera assured stakeholders that the Court of Appeal had already started holding such sessions outside Kampala. He noted that sessions had already been held in Gulu and Mbarara, with Jinja scheduled for next week, followed by Masaka.
He commended advocates and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for making timely submissions but encouraged early preparation to facilitate prompt judgments. He also noted that there are improvements in handling of records.
Highlighting judicial efficiency, the DCJ pointed out that timely submissions allow judges to prepare in advance, expediting case disposal. He noted that recent sessions had seen judgments delivered in court and urged continued collaboration among all stakeholders.
Justice Buteera also emphasized the benefits of plea bargaining in criminal cases, explaining that it ensures quicker and fairer resolutions by involving appellants, victims, and prosecutors in sentencing negotiations. For civil cases, he urged stakeholders to embrace Mediation, citing its effectiveness in resolving disputes.
He noted that Mediation had proven successful, with 237 cases settled during last year's five-day settlement week held across 10 courts, including the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal alone resolved 49 cases during that period and handled 100 cases through Mediation last year. To strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms, he added that the Judiciary aims to expand Mediation training for advocates, retired public servants, and religious leaders.
Justice Lawrence Tweyanze, the Resident Judge of Masaka High Court, welcomed the Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) and acknowledged that this was his final session in Masaka before his retirement next month. In recognition of his service, he invited stakeholders to give the DCJ a standing ovation. He also presented a plaque on behalf of the stakeholders, appreciating the DCJ's contributions to the Judiciary and Masaka in particular.
Reflecting on his time in Masaka, Justice Tweyanze expressed gratitude for the support he had received and informed stakeholders of his transfer. He described Masaka as the most fulfilling station in his judicial career and assured them that his replacement would soon assume office to ensure continuity.
He highlighted the recent launch of the Justice for Her Project, a three-year initiative funded by UN Women to support victims of gender-based violence (GBV). He noted that GBV cases accounted for about 50% of the court's caseload and reported a growing workload, with 4,203 pending cases. He emphasized that Masaka High Court had embraced mandatory mediation for civil cases as a strategy to expedite case resolution.
Justice Tweyanze also stressed the need for additional judicial officers to handle the rising caseload, particularly in criminal matters. He raised concerns about corruption, urging stakeholders to uphold integrity and strengthen efforts to combat it.
On infrastructure, he reiterated the urgent need for a High Court building in Masaka, noting that land had already been secured. He further called for the operationalization of the Rakai High Court circuit to help decongest the Masaka High Court.
In her remarks, Ms. Nabaasa Caroline Hope, the Principal Assistant DPP, noted that the Office of the DPP continues to strengthen its capacity to handle appellate matters, recognizing that prosecution at this level differs from trial court proceedings.
To maintain high standards, she emphasized the importance of mentorship by the ODPP, with junior officers working alongside senior colleagues to ensure consistency. She also acknowledged the Court of Appeal’s timely judgments, which contribute to sentencing consistency and the development of criminal jurisprudence.
While coordination with stakeholders has improved, she pointed out that delays in filing submissions remain a challenge. These delays, she explained, result from the need to ensure quality submissions, the workload from multiple court sessions, and the short time given for responses.
She suggested that if lawyers provided a working document, such as a memorandum of appeal, earlier in the process when there are delays in submitting their submissions, it would enhance preparation and allow for more timely responses.
Uganda Law Society Representative, Mr. Leo Alexander, commended the Court of Appeal for improving access to justice in Masaka and requested that civil sessions be included alongside criminal sessions. He noted that lawyers face challenges, particularly when prisoners cannot be located, which causes delays.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Registrars; HW Mushabe Karocho (Private Legal Secretary to the DCJ) and HW Bucyana, HW Toloko Simon (Chief Magistrate, Masaka), HW Vueni Raphael (Rakai), HW Alleluya Glory (Kalangala), and HW Gakyaro Allan Mpiirwe (Personal Assistant to the DCJ), among other judicial officers.
Also present were various stakeholders from the ODPP, Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, advocates, political and religious leaders, among others. Notably present were Mayor Florence Namayanja (Mayor of Masaka), Mr. Agaba Samuel (Representative IGG Masaka), and Advocate Mr. Kawanga John, among others.
It was moderated by HW Karungi Loe, the Deputy Registrar Masaka.
Posted 17th, March 2025
