The Kabale High Court Circuit has intensified efforts to improve the administration of justice and tackle case backlog after convening a Criminal Pre-Session Meeting ahead of an upcoming in-house criminal session later this month.
The meeting, chaired by the Resident Judge, Justice Ssemogerere Karoli Lwanga, and moderated by the Assistant Registrar, HW Kenneth Tumwebaze, brought together key justice stakeholders to prepare for the efficient handling of criminal matters before the Court.
Addressing participants on Thursday, Justice Ssemogerere commended stakeholders for their collective efforts in successfully concluding four criminal sessions during the 2025 calendar year. He also recognized the contribution of former Resident Judge, Justice Samuel Emokor, who returned to Kabale to conclude cases that remained pending on his docket following his transfer.
Justice Ssemogerere noted that the Court continues to experience a growing number of criminal cases, which have now surpassed civil matters in volume, creating an urgent need for effective case disposal.
“We must remain vigilant, committed and attentive to the criminal justice process to ensure efficient administration of justice,” Justice Ssemogerere urged stakeholders involved in the forthcoming session.
He further called for strict adherence to procedural requirements, especially in civil proceedings, while cautioning prosecutors to carefully select and prepare witnesses. According to the Resident Judge, the quality and credibility of witnesses often play a decisive role in determining the outcome of cases.
Justice Ssemogerere also applauded the Uganda Prisons Service for its continued collaboration with the Court, particularly in facilitating prison access, ensuring timely communication, providing critical information, and producing inmates for court proceedings.
The Court revealed that at least 38 criminal cases have already been cause-listed for hearing during the upcoming in-house session, with the number expected to rise to about 50 before proceedings commence. Most of the cases are backlog matters filed between 2019 and 2023, alongside a few recent cases from 2024 and 2025.
The session will mainly handle serious criminal offences, including murder, rape, aggravated robbery, and other sexual offences.
Assistant Registrar HW Kenneth Tumwebaze described the meeting as the first criminal pre-session engagement held in a long time, adding that similar in-house criminal sessions are being conducted across other High Court Circuits to strengthen case management and improve justice delivery.
The upcoming criminal session forms part of the Judiciary’s wider efforts to reduce case backlog, speed up the disposal of criminal matters, and improve access to justice for court users within the Kabale High Court Circuit.
