Deputy Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija (middle), Justice Christopher Gashirabake (Left), and Lady Justice Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka(Right)
The Court of Appeal has today concluded a three-day criminal appeals session held at the Masindi High Court, during which a total of 27 appeals were heard. The session was presided over by the Deputy Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija, Justice Christopher Gashirabake, and Lady Justice Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka.
According to a report by HW Allen Rukundo Owembabazi, the Registrar of the Court of Appeal, the panel delivered judgments in 16 cases, dismissed six upon withdrawal, and reserved judgment in five, attaining an overall disposal rate of 81.5%.
A post session stakeholders' meeting was held to reflect on the proceedings and discuss broader issues in justice delivery.
In his address, the Deputy Chief Justice reaffirmed the Judiciary's commitment to decentralizing the Court of Appeal through the establishment of regional courts, starting with Mbarara, Gulu, and Mbale. He stressed that taking court services closer to the people was vital for improving access to justice.
Justice Dr. Zeija also discussed the infrastructural needs of the court, including holding cells and mediation rooms, and acknowledged the financial constraints affecting the frequency of civil sessions. However, he assured stakeholders that discussions were underway to secure additional funding and expand these sessions. He commended the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for their timely submissions, particularly in light of staffing challenges.
Responding to a request for training of advocates, the Deputy Chief Justice emphasized the importance of equipping legal practitioners with skills in criminal appeals and proposed that this training be integrated into the regional capacity-building programs already being implemented by the Judicial Training Institute. He also commended the efforts of state brief counsel for their dedication in defending clients during the session, and lauded the Uganda Prisons Service for maintaining accurate inmate records, describing it as a model institution in the justice system.
Justice Zeija urged inmates to uphold discipline while serving their sentences, reminding them that remission is a privilege earned through good conduct, not a right. He encouraged them to return to society as reformed individuals and warned against falling into repeat offending, which often has severe consequences.
Justice Gashirabake extended his gratitude to all parties involved in the successful execution of the session, including the DPP, state brief advocates, prison authorities, and the appellants. He acknowledged the role of defense lawyers, stating that although their arguments may not always change case outcomes, they provide valuable representation that helps clients understand and accept the court's decisions. He echoed the call for reformation and rehabilitation among convicts.
Lady Justice Katunguka advocated for the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, especially Mediation, as a strategy to reduce case backlog and deliver timely justice. She encouraged inmates and other stakeholders to consider Mediation as a viable option and called for improved logistical preparedness, particularly ensuring that qualified interpreters and translators are available during proceedings to avoid delays.
Representing the ODPP, Chief State Attorney and President of the Uganda Association of Prosecutors, Ms. Immaculate Angutoko, thanked the panel for its efficiency and remarked that the swift handling of appeals is a hopeful sign that backlog issues at the Court of Appeal could soon be resolved. She emphasized the importance of maintaining this pace across all panels and praised the Justices for balancing fair trial rights with justice for victims of crime.
She also acknowledged the missed opportunities to cross-appeal for sentence enhancement in grave cases such as murder, and recommended additional training and mentorship for state brief advocates, especially in areas such as framing grounds for appeal and criminal procedure. She proposed that the Court Registry take the lead in facilitating such initiatives.
Advocate Simon Kasangaki, representing state brief advocates, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the session, describing it as an important learning experience. He congratulated the Deputy Chief Justice on his elevation and welcomed the plans to digitize court operations in Masindi and Hoima, noting that a streamlined digital system would help reduce delays and case backlog. Mr Kasangaki also expressed support for the use of ADR and proposed that the Court of Appeal consider permanent regional sittings in Bunyoro, along with the inclusion of civil sessions in Masindi. He highlighted the need for improved court infrastructure, including more spacious holding cells and dedicated dressing rooms for counsel.
SP Robert Okiru, speaking on behalf of the Uganda Prisons Service, commended the Court of Appeal for conducting the session and hearing inmates' appeals, noting that such action provides inmates with clarity and a sense of fairness, which positively influences prison management. He advocated for more regular sessions in Masindi and called for early collaboration between prison officers and advocates, as officers often possess key information entrusted to them by inmates that could help streamline the appeals process.
Masindi District LCV Chairperson, Mr. Cosmas Byaruhanga, thanked the Justices for taking judicial services closer to the local population and pledged his support toward acquiring land for the establishment of a permanent Court of Appeal presence in the region. He recognized the importance of access to justice for all and emphasized the district's readiness to support the Judiciary's plans.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of appreciation gifts by the Masindi District Chain-Linked Committee and the Regional Coordination Committee. The gifts, handcrafted by inmates at Masindi Prison, served as a symbol of there habilitation and skills development efforts taking place within the correctional facilities.
The session was attended by several judicial officers and support staff, including HW Allen Rukundo Owembabazi, HW Dr. Alex Mushabe Karocho (Private Legal Secretary to the Deputy Chief Justice), HW Juliet Nakitende (Assistant Registrar, Masindi), HW Kosia Kasibayo (Chief Magistrate, Masindi), HW Julius Mwesigye (Personal Assistant to the Deputy Chief Justice), and Magistrates Grade One researchers attached to the Justices. Also present was Mr. Dennis Rwatooro, Senior Systems Administrator, along with representatives from the ODPP, Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, and other stakeholders in the justice sector.
Posted 14th, May 2025
