The in-house Criminal Session at Mubende High Court has officially commenced, with judicial officers and justice sector stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to the expeditious disposal of cases despite ongoing funding challenges.
The session was opened on Monday with a pre-session meeting chaired by the Resident Judge, Justice Tadeo Asiimwe. The meeting brought together representatives from the Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), assessors, lawyers on state brief, and other key stakeholders in the justice sector.
Addressing participants, Justice Asiimwe emphasized the need for efficient utilization of the limited time allocated for the session. He urged all stakeholders to ensure timely summoning of witnesses and adequate consultations with accused persons to facilitate smooth proceedings.
The Resident Judge also encouraged the promotion of plea bargaining, describing it as an effective mechanism that the Judiciary continues to embrace in reducing case backlog and ensuring quicker resolution of criminal matters. He called upon prison authorities to identify and sensitise inmates willing to participate in the process.
A total of 50 cases have been cause-listed for hearing during the session. Aggravated Defilement cases constitute the largest number, followed by Murder, Aggravated Robbery, and Trafficking in Persons cases.
The pre-session meeting was moderated by the Deputy Registrar of Mubende High Court, HW Rogers Kinobe Binega. Participants commended the Judiciary for allocating the criminal session to Mubende and agreed on the operational modalities for its successful conduct.
However, stakeholders raised concerns over inadequate funding for some justice sector institutions, noting that the challenge continues to affect preparation and effective management of court sessions.
Following the meeting, Justice Asiimwe commenced proceedings with plea-taking before adjourning the matters to June 29, 2026, when substantive hearings are expected to begin.
The Mubende session is among several criminal sessions recently flagged off by the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, who directed all participating courts to conclude their sessions by August 30, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance access to justice and reduce case backlog across the country.
