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MASINDI - The Court of Appeal, sitting in Masindi district, has completed 15 criminal appeals in two days. 

The panel of three justices was led by Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera and had Hellen Obura and Irene Mulyagonja.

Of the 25 cases listed, the court completed 15 and reserved 10 criminal appeals for judgment. The cases handled include murder, aggravated defilement, aggravated robbery, rape, manslaughter, and obtaining money by false pretences.

In one of the dismissed appeals, the appellant, who was convicted of raping a pregnant woman, was seeking a reduction of the 35-year sentence. The victim, seven months pregnant, had been undressed and raped twice.

However, the court maintained the sentence on grounds that the appellant was a habitual offender, who is currently serving a six-year sentence for attempted rape in a different case.

After the court session on March 27, 2024, 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 them.

On the other hand, the justices thanked the advocates for timekeeping and early filing of submissions that enabled them to study the files ahead of the hearing.

Constrained

The Deputy Chief Justice noted that the Court was constrained owing to the limited number of Justices of Appeal.

In his remarks during a stakeholders' meeting, before the session started, Buteera said the purpose of such engagements is to enhance collaboration in handling and resolving cases.

“These cases originate from the population. Therefore, it is important to work together with stakeholders for successful prosecutions,” he said.

Buteera re-affirmed the Judiciary's commitment to professionalism and providing credible judgments, stating: “We shall be professional and give credible judgments because it instills public confidence in the judicial system.”

Buteera also addressed the Judiciary's plans to enhance access to justice, including increasing the number of Judicial Officers and High Court Circuits, as well as operationalising regional Courts of Appeal.

Embrace ADR

He encouraged stakeholders to embrace alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation, plea bargaining, and small claims procedure, highlighting judicial officer’s role in expediting fair case resolutions, promoting reconciliation, and fostering public participation.

Masindi municipality mayor Ronald Busingye Kyomuhendo highlighted the issue of corruption in the country and urged the Judiciary to execute their duties with professionalism and impartiality.

He noted the significant impact of their judgments on society.

Superintendent of prisons Paterson Ongala, who is in charge Masindi Prison, said Masindi Prison is grappling with prolonged stay of prisoners on remand, leading to overcrowding.

He noted that with a capacity of 266 inmates, the prison currently holds about 1,698 individuals, which has severely strained resources.

Ongala also emphasized the necessity for plea bargaining sessions and the importance of expediting the committal process for capital offenders to the High Court.