The High Court in Rukungiri has commenced its Fourth Quarter in-house Criminal Session with 50 cases lined up for hearing, as the Judiciary continues efforts to reduce case backlog and improve access to justice.
The session was preceded by a stakeholders’ meeting that brought together key actors in the justice sector, including officials from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), defence lawyers, court assessors, and representatives from the Uganda Police Force and Uganda Prisons Service.
Speaking during the meeting, Assistant Registrar HW Atigo Hellen revealed that 50 cases had been cause-listed through a collaborative process involving all stakeholders.
The cases include 21 aggravated defilement cases, 15 murder cases, nine rape cases, four aggravated robbery cases, and one case of aggravated trafficking in persons.
Presiding over the meeting, Lady Justice Susan Kanyange called for effective time management and stronger coordination among justice sector players to ensure the smooth and timely disposal of cases.
She urged advocates to adequately prepare and brief their clients before hearings, emphasizing the need for maximum cooperation from all parties to avoid unnecessary delays.
Justice Kanyange noted that most of the cases scheduled for hearing originate from Kanungu District, underscoring the need for efficient case management to serve affected communities.
Addressing State Attorneys, she stressed the importance of securing the attendance of witnesses and advised that where witnesses cannot be traced, timely applications for nolle prosequi should be made to prevent unnecessary dismissals or acquittals.
She reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice without undue delay, noting that criminal sessions remain a critical tool in reducing case backlog and strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice.
Representatives from the ODPP, lawyers on State brief, and court assessors pledged their full cooperation and readiness to ensure the successful conduct of the session.
