Court of Appeal to hear 25 criminal appeals in Fort Portal

Fort Portal: The Court of Appeal in Fort Portal has begun a session to handle 26 criminal cases from October 14 to 16, 2024.

This session, presided over by Justices Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Muzamiru Kibeedi, and Margaret Tibulya, will address thirteen murder cases, nine aggravated defilement cases, two robbery cases, and two rape cases^.

Justice Richard Bateema, the deputy chief justice, highlighted the importance of these sessions in ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law, with plans to expand to other regions like Mbarara and Gulu.

“We are committed to ensuring justice is served and the rule of law is upheld through regional sittings, and soon more brunches will be kicking off like in Mbarara and Gul,” he added.

“The Court of Appeal’s session is crucial in addressing serious crimes and promoting public safety,” he further adds.

Justice Bateema appeals for reconciliation before resorting to the courts highlights an important aspect of conflict resolution.

He suggests that parties involved in disputes often have a better understanding of the truth and context of their issues, which can lead to more satisfactory and quicker resolutions compared to the formal legal process.

‘’This approach can help reduce the burden on the courts and promote a more harmonious resolution of conflicts.’’

The appeals to be handled are from 2010, and the newest is from 2017, of which two were convicted to a life sentence for an offense of murder.

However, there are concerns about the Court of Appeal’s performance, with a disposal rate of only 7.2%, which has been criticized for hindering access to justice. 

Samuel Muhumuza, a council member at the Uganda Law Society is however concerned about the Court of Appeal’s performance, with a disposal rate of only 7.2%, which he says is hindering access to justice. 

“We are not satisfied with court of appeals performance because it doesn’t paint a good picture for the judiciary, thus depriving access to justice,” says Muhumuza.

The Fort Portal High Court Resident Judge, Vincent Mugano, disclosed that the lagging court backlog at Fort Portal High Court of 1,242 cases for year 2023/23, of which 378 are from previous years, 522 are criminal, and 3,465 are handled by the Chief Magistrates Courts of Fort Portal, Kyenjojo, Bunyangabu, and Ntoroko.

“We strive to handle both case backlog and case log at the same time, and we have handled plea bargain every quarter to reduce the backlog, though in vain,” states Judge Mugabo.

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