The High Court sitting in Mbarara has opened a new criminal session at Ntungamo Chief Magistrate’s Court, with 50 cases lined up in a renewed push to reduce case backlog and bring justice services closer to communities.
The session, presided over by Lawrence Tweyanze, is expected to run until May 15, 2026. Murder cases dominate the cause list, accounting for 25 of the files, followed by 17 cases of aggravated defilement, four rape cases, three aggravated robbery cases, and one case of kidnap with intent to kill.
The opening ceremony featured a guard of honour by the Uganda Police Force, the symbolic planting of a “Tree of Justice,” and a stakeholders’ meeting bringing together key actors in the justice sector.
Deputy Registrar Grace Atwongyeire said the sitting marks the second criminal session to be held in Ntungamo, following the inaugural session in October 2025.
She noted that the initiative is part of broader Judiciary efforts to tackle case backlog through targeted interventions such as “Marshall Plan” sessions, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and the expansion of High Court circuits.
Atwongyeire also highlighted the heavy caseload at Mbarara High Court and welcomed support from Ntungamo district leaders, who have allocated land for the construction of permanent High Court premises. She added that plans are underway to operationalise a fully-fledged High Court circuit in Ntungamo.
In his remarks, Justice Tweyanze commended the collaboration among justice sector stakeholders and pointed to ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency.
These include the digitalisation of court processes and the rollout of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System.
He also emphasised the role of the public, particularly witnesses, in ensuring the success of the session.
“The success of this session depends heavily on the willingness of witnesses to come forward and participate in the justice process,” he said.
Stakeholders at the meeting welcomed the Judiciary’s reforms and reiterated the need to fast-track the establishment of a permanent High Court presence in Ntungamo to ease access to justice.
The session, moderated by Gordon Muhimbise, attracted judicial officers, district leaders, prosecutors, security personnel, legal practitioners, mediators, assessors, and members of the public.
Proceedings commenced with plea-taking, marking the official start of hearings in a session expected to ease pressure on the court system while improving service delivery in the region.
