The High Court in Mbarara has opened a criminal session at Ntungamo Chief Magistrate’s Court, with murder cases dominating the cause list.
The session, presided over by Justice Lawrence Tweyanze, will handle 50 cases in total. These include 25 murder cases, 17 aggravated defilement cases, four rape cases, three aggravated robbery cases, and one case of kidnap with intent to kill.
Proceedings began with a ceremonial guard of honour mounted by the Uganda Police Force, the symbolic planting of a “Tree of Justice,” and a pre-session stakeholders’ meeting.
Deputy Registrar HW Grace Atwongyeire, while welcoming the presiding judge, noted that this is the second criminal session to be held in Ntungamo, following the inaugural sitting in October 2025. She said the session is part of ongoing efforts to reduce case backlog and is expected to run until May 15, 2026.
Atwongyeire highlighted the heavy caseload at the Mbarara High Court and reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to addressing the backlog through targeted “Marshall Plan” sessions, the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and the operationalisation of High Court circuits.
She also commended Ntungamo district leadership for allocating land for the construction of High Court premises, revealing that plans are underway to operationalise a High Court circuit in the area to bring services closer to the public.
Justice Tweyanze praised the strong collaboration among justice sector stakeholders in Ntungamo and thanked Judiciary leadership for facilitating the session.
He outlined ongoing reforms aimed at improving access to justice, including digitalisation, the planned rollout of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), expanded use of ADR, and proposed legislative reforms to increase the jurisdiction of Chief Magistrates’ Courts.
He urged stakeholders to use the media and other platforms to sensitise the public and encourage witnesses to attend court, noting that their participation is vital to the success of the session.
Stakeholders present commended the Judiciary for its continued reforms and called for the fast-tracking of the Ntungamo High Court circuit. They also pledged their full support towards ensuring a successful session.
The session, moderated by HW Gordon Muhimbise, drew a wide range of participants, including judicial officers, district leaders, security personnel, prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, advocates, mediators, assessors, witnesses, and accused persons.
