The High Court in Mbarara on Monday launched a new Criminal Session presided over by Lady Justice Joanita Bushara, with 40 cases set for hearing.
According to the cause list signed by the Ag. Deputy Registrar, HW Grace Atwongyeire, murder cases dominate the session with 17 files, followed by aggravated defilement (10), aggravated robbery (7), rape (5), and one case of aggravated trafficking in children.
Justice Bushara was officially received by Resident Judge Justice Kwemara Gelase Kafuuzi, alongside HW Atwongyeire, Chief Magistrates HW Andrew Kabombo and HW Stella Okwong, and other judicial officers and stakeholders.
The opening ceremony featured a guard of honour presented by the Uganda Police Force, followed by a stakeholders’ meeting to assess readiness for the hearings. The meeting came after a pre-session conference held on September 29, 2025.
In her remarks, Justice Bushara commended the Resident Judges, Deputy Registrar, and all stakeholders for their diligent preparation. She reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to reducing case backlog and delivering timely justice, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and coordination throughout the session.
Stakeholders expressed confidence in their readiness and pledged full cooperation to ensure the smooth running of proceedings during the session.
