Justice Zeija urges use of mediation to ease court caseload

MASINDI - Deputy Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija has urged judicial officers and justices to embrace plea bargains, conciliation, mediation, negotiations, and reconciliation.

He made the call on May 12, 2025, while opening a three-day hearing of criminal cases during a Court of Appeal session being held at the Masindi High Court.

Zeija also appealed to judicial officers to involve advocates and religious leaders in the mediation process.

According to the Deputy Chief Justice, adopting these approaches would help reduce the case backlog in courts.

Presiding alongside Justices Christopher Gashirabake and Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka, Zeija said that 27 criminal appeals will be heard during the session—14 for murder, nine for aggravated defilement, and four for aggravated robbery.

Zeija emphasised that their primary objective is to ensure accessible judicial services for all and assured that judgments will be delivered within the set timeframe.

Pensive Tukasiime, the Masindi District Police Commander, said that land-related conflicts are the leading cause of criminal cases in the district.

She revealed that 12 murder cases have been registered so far this year—all arising from land wrangles. Of these, six have been presented in court, four are under further inquiry, and two remain with police.

Tukasiime said the slow pace of land cases in court often contributes to the escalation of other criminal offences.