Supreme Court Hears Over 88 Matters Despite Partial Closure
3rd, October 2022
The partial closure of the Supreme Court did not deter the final appellate court in dealing with its business. During the partial closure, the court held a pre-hearing of 88 criminal appeals between the month of May and July this year as per the case returns of the court for that period.
The statistical breakdown shows that34 cases were heard on July 12, 23 cases were heard on May 12 and 31 cases heard on June 24. The same court has with the same period, delivered 11judgments/ rulings in civil applications and main appeals.
According to the Registrar of the Court, HW Harriet Ssali, a new work plan for the next quarter is being worked on.
The court business has been ongoing despite the partial closure of the court earlier this year following a fire outbreak in the chambers of Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo.
On May 30, the Chief Justice announced the indefinite closure of the court on grounds that it had become unsafe for habitation.
However, where there are cases to be heard, the court sits at the Judiciary Headquarters.
As to why the court was partially closed, the Chief Justice cited water leakages that had led to the collapse of the ceilings and water flooding in the chambers of the judges, destroying property and court documents.
A recent report released by the Occupational Safety and Health Inspection of the Gender ministry, stated that the same court building lacks many health and safety measures.
Some of the health and safety measures cited in the report include; poor lighting in the building, lack of elevators, no provision for persons with disabilities and doors to the toilets that do not lock well.
Other findings include; no separation of toilets for male and female staff, moisture related damage in the ceiling and no emergency fire exits.
In November and December, the Court is expected to hear a total of 45 civil and criminal appeals and applications.
