eputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija officially opened his first criminal appeals session at the Masindi High Court,
Earlier, the Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, officially opened his first criminal appeals session at the Masindi High Court, which is also his inaugural sitting in the Court of Appeal.
The session, scheduled to run from today, 12th May to Wednesday, 14th May 2025,will handle 27 criminal appeal cases.
Justice Dr. Zeija is presiding over the session alongside Justice Christopher Gashirabake and Lady Justice Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka.
According to the cause list signed by the Court's Registrar, HW Rukundo Allen Owembabazi, murder tops the list with 14 appeals. Aggravated Defilement follows with nine cases, and Aggravated Robbery with four.
Notably, three appellants are challenging life sentences for murder convictions.
Speaking during the stakeholders' meeting, Dr. Zeija reflected on the Judiciary's ongoing efforts to enhance equitable access to judicial services for all and highlighted the strategic importance of this session within the Judiciary's broader goals under Strategic Plan V (2020/2021-2024/2025).
He noted that this is the second Court of Appeal criminal session to be held at the Masindi High Court Circuit, the first having taken place in March 2024. He also noted that the earlier session concluded successfully, with all 25judgments delivered on time, fulfilling the Judiciary's commitment to timely justice.
Justice Dr. Zeija underscored the rationale behind holding regional Court of Appeal sessions: reducing transportation and litigation costs formerly spent by litigants trekking to Kampala to access the services of the Court of Appeal and bringing justice closer to the people.
He reaffirmed the Judiciary's commitment to reducing case backlogs, providing timely justice, and ensuring equitable access to justice regardless of citizens' social or economic status.
Addressing the Judiciary's push for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to complement the formal court process, Dr. Zeija encouraged judicial officers and justice actors to embrace ADR-including plea bargaining, reconciliation, juvenile diversions, mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and conciliation.
"Tap from the experiences of retired Judicial Officers, Senior Advocates, and Religious Leaders in your area to help you carry out mediation, and this will help you reduce the caseloads before your courts," he urged, emphasising the value of involving experienced individuals in ADR.
Dr. Zeija also expressed appreciation to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), advocates, and all other actors who ensured the smooth commencement of the session. He reassured participants that judgments from the session would be delivered on time and encouraged all stakeholders to maintain the coordination and cooperation already demonstrated.
Responding to concerns raised during the meeting, he acknowledged the need for additional judicial officers and also addressed issues regarding the need to handle land matters swiftly, delays in chamber inspections, and remand home conditions in Masindi.
He committed to engaging the relevant authorities for feedback and resolution. Furthermore, he noted that digital transformation is underway, with the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) soon to be rolled out in the circuit and other circuits in the country, allowing for remote filing and improved efficiency.
In her remarks, Lady Justice Mary Babirye, the Resident Judge of Masindi High Court, reported that since her deployment, she has met key stakeholders, including the Resident District Commissioner, the Prisons Service, legal aid offices, the DPP, and the police, all contributing to strengthened collaboration and improved justice delivery.
Lady Justice Babirye also reported that the court is up to date with its case management systems and holds daily hearings, especially in both civil and criminal matters.
As of March 20, she noted that the Circuit had 209 committed cases and 75uncommitted cases. She added that 37 prisoners were ready for plea bargaining and that the court is engaging relevant parties to expedite the processes.
She noted the implementation of best practices such as plea bargaining, mediation, an open-door policy, and the fast-tracking of cases involving vulnerable groups, including juveniles and persons with disabilities.
However, she also raised several pressing challenges that the court faces. These included the lack of holding cells for prisoners - currently they rely on the ones at the Chief Magistrates Court, the need for an extra chamber, unreliable electricity, and the need for increased funding.
She called for renovations at the court to include holding cells for prisoners, installation of CCTV cameras outside the court, air conditioning in courtrooms and judges' chambers, and additional chambers to support future visits by higher courts.
Justice Babirye concluded by reaffirming her dedication to serve with integrity and welcomed the continued presence of the Court of Appeal in Masindi, which she said brings hope and confidence to the region.
Ms. Nabaasa Carolyn Hope, Principal Assistant DPP, reflected on the improvements incase presentation, court record management, and internal mentorship that have enhanced the quality of submissions at the ODPP.
However, she raised concerns about staffing shortages in the DPP and the strain of simultaneous court sessions (multiple cause listing).
She also called for victim participation in appellate proceedings and adherence to procedure in plea bargaining to avoid appeals arising from these plea bargains.
Speaking on behalf of the advocates, Counsel Zemai Kizza praised the strong working relationship among justice institutions in Masindi and highlighted the role of the Judiciary, particularly acknowledging the Resident Judge's educational engagement and leadership.
She raised concerns about delays in estate-related cases, which often escalate into criminal matters.
Counsel Kizza also called for the digitalization of Masindi High Court so that it is included on ECCMIS, earlier inspection of advocates' chambers to avoid certification delays, and national support for juvenile justice facilities in Masindi.
Superintendent of Police Tukasiima Pensive, the Masindi District Police Commander, reported that most of the cases recorded by Masindi Police since the year began are land-related.
She asked that the hearing of land matters be expedited to prevent them from escalating into criminal cases.
SP Tukasiima noted challenges in meeting the 48-hour rule for detaining suspects due to the complexity of capital cases but emphasized the police's efforts to always comply.
She also acknowledged the supportive collaboration with the Judiciary and the DPP.
The meeting was attended by various judicial officers and justice actors.
Notably present were HW Owembabazi; HW Dr. Alex Mushabe Karocho (Private Legal Secretary to the DCJ); HW Juliet Nakitende (Assistant Registrar, Masindi); and HW Julius Mwesigye (Personal Assistant to the DCJ).
Also present was Mr. Cosmas Byaruhanga, the Masindi LCV Chairman, among other stakeholders.
It was moderated by HW Kosia Kasibayo, the Chief Magistrate, Masindi.
Posted 12th, May 2025
