A panel of justices from the Court of Appeal have commenced a three-day criminal session in Masaka to hear 30 appeals, as part of ongoing efforts to bring appellate justice closer to citizens.
The session, which started on Monday, March 16 and will run until Wednesday, March 18 at the High Court of Uganda in Masaka, is being presided over by Justice Christopher Gashirabake together with Lady Justice Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka and Lady Justice Esta Nambayo.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the session, Justice Gashirabake reaffirmed the Court’s commitment to delivering justice in a timely and accessible manner.
“The Court of Appeal remains committed to ensuring timely delivery of justice to all citizens regardless of their social or economic status,” he said.
Justice Gashirabake noted that similar sessions have previously been held in Masaka as part of the Judiciary’s broader strategy to decentralize appellate services. According to the judge, holding sessions within regional circuits reduces transport and litigation costs for litigants who would otherwise travel to Kampala to access the Court of Appeal.
Justice Gashirabake also highlighted the Judiciary’s ongoing expansion of the Court of Appeal through the establishment of regional circuits in Arua, Lira, Masaka, Mbale, Gulu, Mbarara, Mubende, Fort Portal, and Jinja. He revealed that circuits in Mbarara and Gulu are expected to become operational in the next financial year.
Justice Gashirabake explained that the expansion aims to reduce the long distances citizens must travel to access appellate justice.
Justice Gashirabake further encouraged stakeholders to embrace the Judiciary’s transition to a paperless system through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), noting that the digital platform is expected to enhance efficiency and improve case tracking across courts.
Justice Gashirabake acknowledged that the Court of Appeal is currently operating under a heavy workload with limited human resources. He noted that several courts, including the Masaka High Court Circuit, continue to face challenges related to case backlog and prisoners overstaying on remand, although efforts by both government and the Judiciary are underway to address these constraints.
Justice Gashirabake also called for increased use of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms within the justice system to help reduce the caseload in courts. These mechanisms include plea bargaining, mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and reconciliation.
Justice Gashirabake clarified that plea bargaining is not intended to allow offenders to evade responsibility, but rather to streamline criminal justice processes while ensuring accountability.
Justice Gashirabake further urged courts to draw on the experience of retired judicial officers, senior advocates, and community leaders to support mediation initiatives, noting that mediation allows parties to take ownership of dispute resolution and contributes to sustainable settlements.
In her remarks, Lady Justice Victoria Katamba Nakintu Nkwanga, Head of the Masaka High Court Circuit, welcomed the Court of Appeal to Masaka and said that holding appellate sessions outside Kampala significantly improves access to justice.
She noted that the Constitution established the Court of Appeal with jurisdiction to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts, adding that its appellate role is critical in clarifying the law, ensuring consistency in judicial decisions, and strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice.
Lady Justice Katamba also revealed that the Masaka High Court is currently conducting two special gender-based violence sessions, one of which is supported by UN Women.
She further appealed for the construction of a dedicated High Court building for Masaka, noting that the court is currently operating within the premises of the Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court.
