The Court of Appeal criminal session for Masaka, which was opened by Deputy Chief Justice Richard Butera on Wednesday, closes today.

The two-day session sitting at Masaka High Court, which is expected to hear 30 cases, comprises Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire and Justice Eve Luswata. Fourteen murder cases are prominent among the criminal cases set for hearing.

Butera, who was welcomed by the senior resident judge Justice Victoria Nakintu, expressed concern over the congestion in Masaka prisons that prompted the Judiciary to increase the number of criminal hearings at the High Court.

He advised the suspects on remand to take advantage of the increased hearing sessions at the High Court, especially the plea bargain programme.

Butera also called for the improvement of the prison facilities constructed during the colonial era between the 1950 and 1960s. He also noted that the number of prosecutors must match other staff recruitment done in the Judiciary.

New Vision learnt that the construction of the Masaka Court of Appeal was high on the priority list among the circuits to be considered by the Judiciary.

Court of Appeal deputy registrar Justice Lilian Bucyana, Masaka High Court deputy registrar Justice Julius Burore, Masaka Chief

Magistrate Slyvia Nvanungi were among the judicial staff that attended the ceremony.