The Court of Appeal in Kampala is set to conduct a Criminal Appeals session from Monday, 16th June to Wednesday, 18th June 2025, during which a total of 26 appeals will be heard.
The session will be presided over by a panel of Justices comprising Lady Justice Hellen Obura, Justice Dr. Asa Mugenyi, Lady Justice Margaret Tibulya and Lady Justice Esta Nambayo.
According to the cause list signed by the Court’s Registrar, HW Rukundo Allen Owembabazi, the offence of Aggravated Robbery accounts for the highest number of appeals, with eight cases.
This is followed by Defilement with six appeals, and Murder with four. Embezzlement and Kidnap each have two appeals, while Theft, Rape, Robbery, Making a False Statement, and Money Laundering each have one appeal.
Notably, the State is appealing the acquittal of Mr. Ezech Gibson Chukue Buka on charges of Money Laundering. In another case, an appellant is challenging the death sentence imposed by the High Court for Murder, while another is appealing against a life sentence for Murder and Aggravated Robbery.
Preparations Underway:
Ahead of the session, a pre-hearing meeting was held on Saturday, chaired by all four Justices on the panel, Lady Justice Obura, Justice Dr. Mugenyi, Lady Justice Tibulya, and Lady Justice Nambayo.
The meeting aimed to assess the readiness of all stakeholders involved in the appeals and to address any potential logistical or procedural gaps ahead of the hearings.
In attendance were HW Rukundo (Registrar, Court of Appeal), HW Mwogera Eunice, HW Mukanza Brenda Apoffy, and HW Nabyangwe Annah (Magistrates Grade I Research attached to the Justices), as well as Mr. Dennis Rwatooro, the Senior Systems Administrator.
Representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), led by Chief State Attorney Ms. Happiness Ainebyona, also participated.
Appellants will participate in the session via video link from Luzira Upper, Murchison Bay, Kigo Main, and Luzira Women Prisons, while their legal representatives (defense counsel) will be physically present in court.
