The High Court in Rukungiri has commenced its fourth quarter in-house criminal session with 50 cases listed for hearing, in a renewed push by the Judiciary to reduce case backlog and improve access to justice.
The session was preceded by a stakeholders’ meeting that brought together officials from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), defence lawyers, court assessors, the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda Prisons Service.
According to Rukungiri High Court Assistant Registrar Hellen Atigo, the 50 cases were shortlisted through a collaborative selection process involving all justice sector stakeholders to ensure readiness for hearing.
The cases on the cause list include 21 aggravated defilement cases, 15 murder cases, 9 rape cases, 4 aggravated robbery cases and one case of aggravated trafficking in persons.
Presiding over the stakeholders’ meeting, Lady Justice Susan Kanyange urged all parties involved in the justice process to prioritize efficiency, coordination and proper case preparation in order to avoid unnecessary delays.
“I want to urge advocates to adequately prepare and brief your clients before hearings, there is need for maximum cooperation from all parties to avoid unnecessary delays,” Justice Kanyange said.
She noted that most of the cases scheduled for the session originate from Kanungu District, highlighting the need for effective case management to ensure timely justice for affected communities.
Justice Kanyange also directed State Attorneys to ensure the availability of witnesses and encouraged them to make timely applications for nolle prosequi in situations where witnesses cannot be traced, in order to avoid prolonged or stalled proceedings.
“I reaffirm the Judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice without undue delay. Criminal sessions remain a critical tool in reducing case backlog and strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice,” she said.
Stakeholders, including representatives from the ODPP, defence lawyers on state brief and court assessors, pledged their cooperation and commitment to ensuring the smooth conduct of the session.
The in-house criminal session is part of the Judiciary’s broader strategy to accelerate the disposal of serious criminal cases and enhance efficiency within the justice system.