The Court of Appeal Justices sitting in Masindi on Monday dismissed four criminal appeals for lack of merit. The dismissed cases included two appeals against murder convictions, one for aggravated defilement, and another for aggravated robbery.
The panel presiding over the appeals comprises Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, Justice Christopher Gashirabake, and Lady Justice Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka. In total, 10 appeals were heard on Monday.
According to Her Worship Rukundo Allen Owembabazi, Registrar of the Court of Appeal, two appeals, one for murder and the other for aggravated defilement were dismissed after being withdrawn by the appellants.
The panel is expected to deliver judgment today (Tuesday) in an appeal against a murder conviction. Judgments in three additional cases, one each for murder, aggravated robbery, and aggravated defilement are scheduled for Wednesday.
This criminal appeals session at the Masindi High Court marks the second sitting of the Court of Appeal at this circuit, following the first in March 2024. The session was officially opened by Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Zeija and is scheduled to run from Monday, May 12 to Wednesday, May 14, 2025. A total of 27 criminal appeals will be handled during this period.
According to the cause list signed by Registrar Rukundo, murder appeals top the docket with 14 cases, followed by aggravated defilement with nine, and aggravated robbery with four. Notably, three appellants are challenging life sentences for murder convictions.
During a stakeholders’ meeting, Dr. Zeija highlighted the strategic importance of holding regional Court of Appeal sessions, noting that they help reduce the cost and inconvenience of traveling to Kampala and bring justice closer to the people.
He also emphasized the Judiciary’s commitment under Strategic Plan V (2020/2021–2024/2025) to delivering timely justice, reducing case backlogs, and promoting equitable access to judicial services regardless of social or economic status.
Dr. Zeija further encouraged the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as plea bargaining, reconciliation, juvenile diversion, mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and conciliation. He urged justice actors to tap into the expertise of retired judicial officers, senior advocates, and religious leaders to support mediation efforts and reduce caseloads.
He expressed gratitude to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), advocates, and all stakeholders who facilitated the smooth start of the session. He also reassured participants that judgments would be delivered promptly and called for continued collaboration among justice sector actors.
Responding to concerns raised during the meeting, Dr. Zeija acknowledged the shortage of judicial officers and the need to expedite land dispute resolutions, improve remand home conditions, and address delays in chamber inspections. He committed to following up with the relevant authorities for action.
Dr. Zeija also announced that the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) will soon be rolled out in the Masindi Circuit and other parts of the country, enabling remote filing and improving overall efficiency.
In her remarks, Lady Justice Mary Babirye, the Resident Judge of Masindi High Court, reported progress in strengthening justice delivery through collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Resident District Commissioner, Prisons Service, legal aid providers, the DPP, and the police.
