The Court of Appeal will next week conduct a two-day Criminal Appeals Session in Mbarara, during which 28 criminal appeals are scheduled to be heard as part of ongoing efforts to reduce backlog and bring appellate services closer to the people.
The session is slated to run from 19th to 20th May 2026, marking another significant step in the Judiciary’s drive to enhance access to justice and expedite the hearing of criminal matters.
A panel of three Justices—Justice Cheborion Barishaki, Justice Oscar Kihika, and Lady Justice Stella Alibateese—will preside over the hearings.
In preparation for the session, Justice Oscar Kihika and Lady Justice Stella Alibateese held a pre-hearing meeting to assess readiness and identify any gaps that could hinder the smooth running of proceedings.
Present at the meeting were Allen Rukundo Owembabazi (Registrar, Court of Appeal), Juliet Ruth Nakkazi, Susan Nanyanga, and Hassan Abubaker Matanda (Magistrates Grade I Research attached to the presiding Justices).
Also in attendance were Ivan Wolimbwa, Systems Administrator, and Experito Ssebayigga, a Clerk.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) was represented by Assistant DPP, Kulu Idambi, while all appellants, currently held at Murchison Bay and Mbarara Main Prison, attended virtually together with their legal representatives.
According to the causelist issued by Rukundo, murder constitutes the majority of the appeals to be heard during the session, with 15 appeals. This is followed by aggravated defilement with 10 appeals. The Court will also handle one appeal each for rape, manslaughter, and indecent assault.
Justice Oscar Kihika noted the importance of preparedness ahead of the session.
“The Court is committed to ensuring that all matters are handled efficiently and that the hearings proceed without unnecessary delays,” he said.
The session forms part of the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to enhance access to justice, expedite hearings, and take appellate court services closer to the people in line with broader institutional reforms.