The Mbarara High Court has launched its first-ever High Court Criminal Session in Ntungamo District, marking a major milestone in efforts to bring justice closer to the people.
The session, presided over by Lady Justice Lillian Alum Omara, will handle 50 cases, including 34 of murder, nine of aggravated defilement, five of aggravated robbery, one of rape, and one of kidnap with intent to murder.
The official opening on Tuesday featured an inspection of a guard of honor mounted by the Uganda Police Force, the symbolic planting of a “tree of justice,” and a pre-session meeting with key justice sector stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Deputy Registrar HW Grace Atwongyeire welcomed the Presiding Judge and commended the Judiciary Management for supporting this historic session.
She emphasized that the session would help address the heavy case backlog at Mbarara High Court while reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to timely justice delivery through dedicated sessions and the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
Atwongyeire further revealed plans to operationalize the Ntungamo High Court Circuit, following its designation under Statutory Instrument No. 94 of 2023.
She noted that the move aims to make justice more accessible, cut travel costs, and enhance efficiency in case management.
She also applauded the Ntungamo District Local Government and Municipality for providing land for the construction of permanent High Court premises.
In her remarks, Justice Omara lauded the strong collaboration among justice actors in the district and called for continued teamwork to ensure the success of the session.
Local leaders and other stakeholders welcomed the Judiciary’s efforts to decentralize justice services and pledged their full support.
The ceremony was attended by judicial officers under the Ntungamo Chief Magisterial Area, the Resident District Commissioner, district leaders, technical officers, security heads, prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, advocates, and assessors. The meeting was moderated by HW Gordon Muhimbise, the Chief Magistrate of Ntungamo.
