Judicial officers urged to embrace alternative dispute resolution to cut caseloads
These include 14 murder cases, nine cases of aggravated defilement, and four cases of aggravated robbery.
Masindi: Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija has called upon judicial officers and justices to adopt alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as plea bargaining, conciliation, mediation, negotiations, and reconciliation in order to reduce the backlog of cases in their courts.
Dr. Zeija made the remarks on Monday while opening a three-day criminal appeal session at Masindi High Court, where 27 appeals are scheduled to be heard.
These include 14 murder cases, nine cases of aggravated defilement, and four cases of aggravated robbery.
“The use of these alternative methods will greatly ease the burden on our judicial system and help expedite justice delivery,” Zeija said.
He also emphasized the importance of involving legal advocates and religious leaders in the mediation process to promote reconciliation and healing within communities.
Joined by Justices Christopher Gashirabake and Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka, Zeija assured the public that judgments from the session would be delivered within the stipulated timeframe, in line with efforts to enhance timely access to justice.
Masindi District Police Commander Pensive Tukasiime highlighted that many criminal cases in the district stem from land disputes. Since the start of the year, Masindi has recorded 12 murder cases, all linked to land wrangles. Of these, six are in court, four are still under investigation, and two remain at the police station.
“Land conflicts remain our biggest challenge. When cases stay too long in the system, they tend to fuel further criminal acts,” Tukasiime warned.
Damali Nabulya, Officer in Charge of Masindi Government Prison, reported severe overcrowding stressing that the facility, designed for only 266 inmates, is currently housing 1,816 prisoners with 430 convicts and 1,386 on remand.
Among the remand prisoners, 338 are facing murder charges, 316 aggravated defilement, 143 aggravated robbery, 67 rape, and five for human trafficking.
Nabulya urged the judiciary to organize more plea bargaining sessions, citing the urgent need to decongest prisons and reduce prolonged remand periods.
“The prolonged remand times are not only a burden to the prison system but also a denial of justice,” she said.
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