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Kabale High Court to hear 59 criminal cases to decongest Prisons
During a visit to the prison on Thursday, June 18, Justice Ssemogerere said he will handle 59 criminal cases committed between 2021 and 2026, involving both male and female inmates facing charges of murder, rape, aggravated defilement, aggravated trafficking in children and aggravated robbery.
Kabale High Court to hear 59 criminal cases to decongest Prisons
By: Michael Odeng, Journalist @New Vision
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The Resident Judge of Kabale High Court, Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere, has assured inmates at Ndorwa Main Prison that the Judiciary is committed to reducing case backlog ahead of the criminal session starting July 1, 2026.
During a visit to the prison on Thursday, June 18, Justice Ssemogerere said he will handle 59 criminal cases committed between 2021 and 2026, involving both male and female inmates facing charges of murder, rape, aggravated defilement, aggravated trafficking in children and aggravated robbery.
He noted that Ndorwa Main Prison has about 320 committed cases, making it impossible to conclude all pending matters in a single criminal session.
“To conclude all these cases would require about six to seven criminal sessions," the judge said before urging inmates whose cases have been cause-listed to utilise the opportunity and avoid unnecessary adjournments.
He added, "We shall continue lobbying for additional criminal sessions to speed up the disposal of pending cases”.
Justice Ssemogerere encouraged inmates to embrace plea bargain, saying those who opt for the process are accorded priority.
He, however, cautioned inmates against applying for plea bargain merely to secure a place on the cause list before they later withdraw from the process.
A plea bargain is a negotiated arrangement in criminal proceedings where an accused person agrees to plead guilty to a charge in exchange for concessions from the prosecution, such as a reduced sentence.
Justice Ssemogerere further reminded inmates that bail remains available to deserving applicants who meet the legal requirements.
He added, "We shall continue lobbying for additional criminal sessions to speed up the disposal of pending cases”.
Justice Ssemogerere encouraged inmates to embrace plea bargain, saying those who opt for the process are accorded priority.
He, however, cautioned inmates against applying for plea bargain merely to secure a place on the cause list before they later withdraw from the process.
A plea bargain is a negotiated arrangement in criminal proceedings where an accused person agrees to plead guilty to a charge in exchange for concessions from the prosecution, such as a reduced sentence.
Justice Ssemogerere further reminded inmates that bail remains available to deserving applicants who meet the legal requirements.
The judge was accompanied by Assistant Registrar Kenneth Tumwebaze, State Prosecutor Isaac Onyango, counsels on State brief Noeline Naggayi and Racheal Nkwanzi, advocates Agnes Natukunda and Felix Bakanyebonera, as well as the Justice for Children Coordinator, Jonathan Anguzu.
The delegation was received by the Officer in Charge of Ndorwa Main Prison, Julius Kisembo, who commended Justice Ssemogerere for regularly visiting the prison and extending justice services to inmates.
During the meeting, inmates presented a memorandum expressing concern over delayed criminal cases dating back to 2021 that are yet to be heard. They appealed to the court to prioritise older cases and welcomed the planned criminal session.
Registrar Tumwebaze explained that the High Court prepares its cause lists using a 'first-in-first-out' approach, meaning older cases are given first priority during hearings.
The delegation was received by the Officer in Charge of Ndorwa Main Prison, Julius Kisembo, who commended Justice Ssemogerere for regularly visiting the prison and extending justice services to inmates.
During the meeting, inmates presented a memorandum expressing concern over delayed criminal cases dating back to 2021 that are yet to be heard. They appealed to the court to prioritise older cases and welcomed the planned criminal session.
Registrar Tumwebaze explained that the High Court prepares its cause lists using a 'first-in-first-out' approach, meaning older cases are given first priority during hearings.