Fort Portal– The Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ), Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, on Tuesday, officially opened a three-day Criminal Appeals session at the Court of Appeal sitting in Fort Portal, where 27 cases are scheduled to be heard from September 2 to September 4, 2025.
The session is being presided over by a panel of three Justices: Lady Justice Hellen Obura, Justice Dr. Asa Mugenyi, and Lady Justice Stella Alibateese.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting, Justice Dr. Zeija explained that holding Court of Appeal sessions in regional centers is part of the Judiciary’s strategy to take services closer to the people, reduce litigation costs, and improve access to justice.
He acknowledged the persistent backlog at the Court of Appeal but noted that the Government has increased the number of justices, with more appointments expected. He also shared that permanent regional Court of Appeal buildings are under construction in Gulu and Mbarara.
The DCJ encouraged greater use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as mediation, reconciliation, and plea bargaining, which he said ease court workloads and empower communities to resolve disputes. He further highlighted Judiciary efforts to address recurring challenges, including tracing missing records, digitizing systems to track repeat offenders, expanding induction and training programs for judicial
officers, and tackling prison congestion.
Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo**, Head of Fort Portal High Court Circuit, reported that the Circuit is currently handling 1,374 cases and decried severe prison congestion, with more than 1,500 inmates in a facility designed for only 317. He emphasized the importance of plea bargaining in reducing delays but called for stronger advocacy support to increase mediation uptake.
From the prosecution side, Ms. Happiness Ainebyona, Chief State Attorney, commended the Judiciary’s timely judgments but urged enhanced mentorship for junior advocates. She observed that errors in lower courts and missed deadlines often lead to unnecessary appeals.
Ms. Anne Tusiime, Principal State Attorney and Regional Head, Fort Portal, welcomed the appeals session and expressed optimism that the establishment of the Attorney General’s regional office in Hoima and the Mbarara Court of Appeal would ease staffing pressures and reduce backlog. She noted that digitization within the Attorney General’s Chambers had improved efficiency, with certificates of no objection now issued weekly.
Representing the Uganda Law Society, Mr. Samuel Muhumuza emphasized advocates’ growing embrace of mediation and called for the rollout of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) to Fort Portal. He also highlighted funding gaps for pro bono and legal aid projects.
Mr. Richard Rwabuhinga, the District Chairperson of Kabarole, appealed for more Court of Appeal sessions to address backlog, citing a land case unresolved for 17 years. He emphasized the importance of both formal court processes and ADR in delivering timely justice.
Regional Police Commander SSP Joab Wabwire noted public misconceptions around bail, which often fuel mob justice, and called for increased sensitization. He also reported rising cases of murder linked to land disputes and defilement but said community policing and radio awareness programs were helping to address these issues.
The meeting brought together Judicial Officers, religious leaders, Advocates, and representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Attorney General’s Chambers, Uganda Police Force, and Uganda Prisons Service.
Present at the ceremony was; Justice Vincent Wagona (Resident Judge, Fort Portal High Court), HW Allen Rukundo Owembabazi (Registrar, Court of Appeal), HW Dr. Mushabe Alex Karocho (Private Legal Secretary to the DCJ), and HW Julius Mwesigye (Personal Assistant to the DCJ). The meeting was moderated by HW Matenga Dawa Francis, Deputy Registrar, Fort Portal
