A High Court criminal session officially commenced at Rakai Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Kyotera on Thursday, marking a significant step toward addressing a backlog of serious criminal cases that have been pending for several years.
The session, presided over by visiting High Court Judge Justice Allan Nshimye, is scheduled to run until May 15, 2026.
A total of 50 cases have been cause-listed, including 20 cases of murder, 19 of aggravated defilement, six of rape, four of aggravated robbery, and one case of aggravated trafficking.
Most of these cases date back to between 2015 and 2020, underscoring the urgency of the initiative.
Proceedings began with a police parade, followed by a stakeholders’ meeting that convened key actors in the justice sector.
Representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), defence counsel, the Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, court officials, and district leadership attended the meeting, demonstrating a coordinated effort to ensure the success of the session.
In his remarks, Justice Nshimye commended stakeholders for their strong turnout despite adverse weather conditions and emphasized the importance of collaboration in expediting justice.
“The success of this session depends on our collective commitment to efficiency, cooperation, and accountability to the communities we serve,” he said, while also encouraging public participation in court proceedings and urging local leaders to support community sensitisation efforts.
Deputy Registrar Loe Karungi highlighted that the session is specifically designed to address cases that have remained unresolved for up to a decade.
She praised stakeholders for their preparedness and dedication to facilitating the timely disposal of cases.
Also in attendance were Rakai Chief Magistrate Raphael Vueni, Principal Magistrate Grade I Rakai Emmanuel Kalule, and Magistrate Grade I Kyotera Sarah Nakasiita, alongside prosecutors and state brief lawyers.
Following the stakeholders’ meeting, the court proceeded with plea-taking, formally marking the start of hearings.
The session is expected to significantly reduce case backlog in the region and reinforce public confidence in the justice system through timely and effective adjudication.