Justice Kiryabwire Flags Off Mbale Court of Appeal Criminal Session, Urges Stakeholders to Embrace ADR, Digital Transformation
Hon. Justice Kiryabwirwe (middle)
The Court of Appeal has commenced a two-day criminal session in Mbale, with 30 appeals lined up for hearing, in a move aimed at enhancing access to justice and reducing case backlog in the region.
The session, flagged off by Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, a Justice of the Court of Appeal and the Court's Administrator, began today, March 24, 2026, and will conclude tomorrow, March 25, 2026.
The panel hearing the appeals comprises; Lady Justice Hellen Obura, Lady Justice Eva Luswata (virtually), and Lady Justice Florence Nakachwa.
According to the cause list signed by the Court's Registrar, HW Rukundo Allen Owembabazi the majority of appeals relate to Murder convictions accounting for for 12cases followed by Aggravated Defilement with 10 cases. Aggravated Robbery accounts for four appeals. The Court will also handle appeals involving Kidnap with Intent to Murder, Rape, and Manslaughter.
Four of the appeals have been filed by the State challenging acquittals in cases involving murder, aggravated defilement, and aggravated robbery.
Speaking during a stakeholders' meeting ahead of the session, Justice Kiryabwirwe affirmed Mbale's importance in the Judiciary's decentralization agenda, noting that the area has already been gazetted for a regional Court of Appeal.
He urged stakeholders to safeguard land earmarked for the Court of Appeal, warning against encroachment and calling for collective responsibility in preserving it for future development.
On justice delivery, Justice Kiryabwire emphasized the need to rethink traditional approaches, noting that courts alone cannot resolve all disputes.
"A significant number of disputes are resolved outside court. We must embrace alternative mechanisms such as plea bargaining and mediation to complement formal litigation," he said.
He highlighted ongoing reforms under the Judiciary's transformation agenda, including the promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), plea bargaining, and the Alternative Justice System, which integrates cultural and religious leaders in resolving disputes.
"We need all stakeholders; the police, prisons, the bar, and civic leaders; to support and promote these mechanisms," he added.
Justice Kiryabwire also underscored the Judiciary’s shift towards digital transformation through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System(ECCMIS), which is expected to streamline case management, enable online access to court services, and improve efficiency through automated notifications and tracking.
Welcoming the Court of Appeal to Mbale, the Head of the Mbale High Court Circuit, Justice Dr. Lubega Farouq, commended the initiative to take appellate services closer to the people.
He shared that Mbale High Court is currently handling 3,976 cases, of which 1,827are backlog, representing 45.9 percent of the total caseload.
Justice Lubega highlighted several operational challenges, including under staffing, lack of ECCMIS rollout, unreliable internet connectivity, and underutilized transcription equipment due to absence of transcription personnel. He also raised concern over the unfenced Court of Appeal land, which is vulnerable to encroachment.
He, however, reported progress in Alternative Dispute Resolution, noting that 16 cases were resolved through mediation between January and February this year, and called for increased adoption of ADR mechanisms.
Representing the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Senior Assistant DPP Mr. Sam Oola said the DPP operates in 10 districts within the region but lacks presence in Butebo, Namisindwa, and Kween, which affects timely case processing.
He also cited challenges including missing court files, delays in cause-listing cases involving accused persons on bail, and incomplete criminal sessions resulting from judicial transfers.
On behalf of the Uganda Law Society, Eastern Uganda representative Mr. Eddie Nangulu expressed concern over delays in handling appeals, noting that some cases take up to 14-15 years to conclude.
He warned that such delays undermine public confidence in the justice system and called for urgent intervention.
Speaking for the Uganda Prisons Service, Superintendent Joseph Ochom, Officer in Charge of Mbale Main Prison, reported that the facility currently holds 1,690 inmates, including 1,189 on remand. He appealed for prioritization of criminal sessions to reduce prolonged detention and requested timely communication ahead of court sessions.
Mbale Resident City Commissioner, Mr. George William Wopuwa, raised concern over delays in resolving a land dispute in Nakaloke involving government property, urging the court to expedite the matter.
Meanwhile, Mr. Steven Masiga, spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, cautioned against interference in institutional matters by some advocates and emphasized respect for court processes.
The session and stakeholders' engagement were attended by judicial officers, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, advocates, cultural and religious leaders, and local government officials, reflecting a multi-sectoral approach to improving justice delivery.
In attendance were Justice Charles Kasibayo (Resident Judge, Mbale), HW Rukundo,and HW Awidi Suzan (Chief Magistrate, Mbale) among other Judicial Officers.
Also present were Mr. Stanley Bayole (Resident District Commissioner, Mbale District), SSP Monday Johnson Agaba (Regional CID, Elgon), SSP Samuel Asiimwe(Regional Police Commander, Elgon), and Mr. Aaron Bageya Motooka(Representative, Attorney General’s Chambers).
The meeting was moderated by HW Waninda Fred K.B. (Deputy Registrar, Mbale HighCourt).
Posted 24th, March 2026
