Masindi Court of Appeal to handle 15 criminal appeals
Mar 26, 2024
“These cases originate from the population. Therefore, it is important to work together with stakeholders for successful prosecutions,” he emphasised.
Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera interacting with Justices Obura, Justice Mulyagonja and other judicial officers during the opeing session in Masindi. (Courtesy Photos)
Michael Odeng
Journalist @New Vision
_________________ Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera at the opeing of the session in Masindi Justices Hellen Obura, Justice Mulyagonja (left) and other judicial the opeing of the session in Masindi
The Court of Appeal has today, March 26, 2024, kicked off a two-day session at Masindi High Court where 25 cases will be handled.
The panel consists of three Justices led by Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera. Other justices on the panel, include Hellen Obura and Irene Mulyagonja.
The cause list signed by the Court’s Deputy Registrar, Lillian Bucyana indicates that of the 25 appeals to be handled, there are seven murder and aggravated defilement cases, aggravated robbery has four cases, while rape has three cases.
Other cases are manslaughter and obtaining money by false pretences. The appellants seek to quash their convictions and sentences.
In his remarks during a stakeholders' meeting, Buteera said the purpose of such meetings 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 emphasised.
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.
He encouraged stakeholders to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation, plea bargaining, and small claims procedure, highlighting the judicial officer’s role in expediting fair case resolutions, promoting reconciliation, and fostering public participation.
The Masindi Resident Judge, Justice Isah Serunkuma, who welcomed Buteera and the Justices of Appeal said their presence in Masindi gives hope to those awaiting their cases to be heard.
The sessions, he added, will greatly reduce backlog within the judicial system.
The Mayor of Masindi Municipality, 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 the society.
Superintendent of Prisons, Officer in charge Masindi Prison, Paterson Ongala, said Masindi Prison is grappling with a 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.
Stakeholders at the meeting included: Masindi Resident District Commissioner Emmy Ngabirano, Masindi LCV Chairperson Cosmas Byaruhanga, Court of Appeal Acting Registrar Allen Rukundo Owembabazi, and deputy registrars Dr. Alex Mushabe Karocho (Private Legal Secretary to the DCJ) and Bucyana (Court of Appeal).
Masindi Chief Magistrate Kosia Kasibayo and the Personal Assistant to the DCJ Allan Gakyaro were also in attendance.
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