JUDICIARY Latest Features

The Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ),Justice Richard Buteera, today officially opened a Court of Appeal Criminal Appeals session at the Gulu High Court.

Justice Buteera was received by the presiding Justices of the Session, Justice Fredrick Martin Stephen Egonda-Ntende, Lady Justice Margaret Tibulya, and Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi; Judges, Phillip Mwaka and George Okello as well as other key justice actors.

In his opening remarks, DCJ highlighted the importance of holding regional Court of Appeal sessions. He explained: "...This initiative eases access to justice, reduces the costs previously incurred by litigants travelling to Kampala,"

Justice Buteera also emphasized Judiciary's commitment to addressing the backlog, citing their recent civil session in Gulu on September 25, 2024, and the current criminal session as evidence of this resolve. "Our resolve is to clear the case backlog in the Judiciary. This session is a testament to our dedication to ensuring that justice is not only done but also seen to be done," he said.

The DCJ commended the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), advocates, and other justice actors for their timely submissions and coordination, which made the session possible.

Justice Buteera also highlighted the Alternative Justice Strategy (AJS), launched by the Chief Justice on June 27,2023, which promotes African traditional methods for dispute resolution. These methods, he noted, are cost-effective, quick, restorative, and culturally acceptable. 

He encouraged judicial officers to promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), such as Mediation for civil cases like land, family, commercial, and succession disputes. For criminal cases, he emphasized the need to prioritize Plea Bargaining, Reconciliation, and Diversion for Juvenile Offenders.

"By embracing ADR and AJS, we can deliver meaningful justice to the people of Uganda," he remarked, emphasizing Judiciary's dedication to ensuring justice is accessible, efficient, and reflective of the people's needs.

The Judiciary has already begun training court-annexed mediators across various regions, including Arua, Soroti, and Fort Portal, with Gulu and other regions scheduled for training early next year.

Participants in these trainings include retired judicial officers, advocates, clan leaders, religious leaders, and retired civil servants.

Justice George Okello, Resident Judge Gulu High Court Circuit, thanked the DCJ for bringing the Court of Appeal closer to the people. 

"Your presence here makes the Court of Appeal visible; justice is truly being brought closer to the people. The team you have deployed here is doing a commendable job," he said.

Ms. Happiness Ainebyona, Chief State Attorney, commended the Judiciary and the Court of Appeal for their timely delivery of judgments. She noted improvements in reducing missing records of appeal.

Representing Uganda Prisons Service, SASP Ronald Mutebi commended the Judiciary for its case management efforts and emphasized the need for more criminal sessions and more plea bargaining sessions to reduce the case backlog.

SP Samuel Asiimwe, the Regional Police Commander, lauded the cordial working relationship between the Judiciary and the police. He pointed out land disputes as a significant challenge in the region.

From the Uganda Law Society, Mr. Walter Ladwar appreciated the judiciary's efforts but highlighted the challenges of a growing prison population and an insufficient number of judicial officers to address the demand. He commended Gulu advocates for embracing ADR such as Plea bargaining. However, he raised concerns about the lack of progress on securing land for constructing a regional Court of Appeal in Gulu.

Ms. Vicky Atim, Vice Chairperson of Gulu District Local Council (LCV), noted that that on the issue of land, the District and the Judiciary Permanent Secretary were working to finalize on the matter. She commended the Judiciary for bringing services closer to the people.

Gulu City Mayor, Ms. Christine Olwo, expressed gratitude for hosting the session, highlighting its significance for the Acholi region. "Your presence here is a privilege. It signifies progress for the Acholi region. Thank you for fulfilling your national mandate and conducting this session here in Gulu."

Mr. Emmanuel Okot, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Omoro, highlighted the challenges facing Omoro Court, including the lack of a full-time state attorney and insufficient court officials.

Mr. Ambrose Onoria, Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Gulu, appreciated the strong working relationship betweenthe Judiciary and his office. He commended the judicial officers for their professionalism.

HW George Obong (Deputy Registrar Gulu High Court Circuit), who moderated the meeting, thanked the DCJ and the Justices for returning to Gulu to conduct a session. He also commended the DCJ for his dedication to serving the country with integrity.

 Session Overview

The criminal appeals session will run between November 25 and November 27, 2024.

According to the cause list signed by the Court’s Deputy Registrar, HW Lillian Bucyana, the appeals include 12Murder appeals, 12 Defilement cases and one appeal for Attempted Murder.