The criminal session at the Mubende High Court Circuit has officially commenced, marking a significant step in the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to reduce case backlog and speed up the delivery of justice for long-standing criminal matters.
The session, which opened on Wednesday, is being presided over by Justice Isaac Bonny Teko and is scheduled to handle 60 cases as per the cause list. The majority of the matters include aggravated defilement and murder, followed by aggravated robbery, robbery, trafficking in persons, and rape, among others.
The session began with a pre-session meeting chaired by Justice Teko, bringing together key justice sector actors to harmonize strategies and improve coordination.
He appreciated the Judiciary for facilitating the session through adequate funding, noting that the Mubende High Court Circuit is currently managing a heavy caseload of over 1,000 criminal cases.
He further highlighted that many inmates, both committed and uncommitted, have remained on remand for extended periods, underscoring the urgency of the exercise.
Justice Teko also commended the Resident Judge, Justice Tadeo Asiimwe, and the Deputy Registrar, HW Kinobe Binega Rogers, for ensuring conducive conditions for the smooth running of the session.
Emphasizing the importance of coordination, Justice Teko said the pre-session meeting was crucial in streamlining operations, setting clear procedures, and maximizing the use of available time and resources.
He urged all stakeholders to maintain professionalism, observe time, and uphold fairness throughout the proceedings.
Following the meeting, the session formally commenced with plea-taking, and the cases were adjourned to April 13, 2026, to allow the prosecution adequate time to prepare for substantive hearings.
Justice Teko further encouraged the Uganda Prisons Service to intensify sensitization on plea bargaining among inmates who may not have been captured on the cause list.
He noted that this would enable the court to adjust its schedule and potentially take on additional cases, including those involving juveniles.
The pre-session meeting, moderated by the Deputy Registrar, brought together State Attorneys from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, representatives from the Uganda Police Force, and the Uganda Prisons Service, alongside advocates from both private and state brief.
The session is expected to run from April 13 to May 15, 2026, and forms part of the Judiciary’s broader initiative to enhance access to justice, reduce backlog, and ensure the timely disposal of criminal cases across the circuit.
