FORT PORTAL, October 17, 2024 – Uganda’s Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera has emphasised the importance of reconciliation among disputing parties before resorting to the courts, highlighting its potential for effective conflict resolution.
Buteera noted that those involved in disputes often have a deeper understanding of the truth and context surrounding their issues, which can lead to quicker and more satisfactory resolutions compared to formal legal proceedings. “This approach can help reduce the burden on the courts and promote a more harmonious resolution of conflicts,” he stated days ago during the opening of the Court of Appeal session in Fort Portal.
The session, which ran from October 14-16, 2024 handled 26 criminal cases, including 13 murder cases, nine aggravated defilement cases, two robbery cases, and two rape cases. The session was presided over by Justices Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Muzamiru Kibeedi, and Margaret Tibulya.
Buteera highlighted the significance of these sessions in ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law, with plans to expand to regions like Mbarara. He reaffirmed the commitment to serving justice through regional sittings, with new branches soon to be opened in Mbarara and Gulu. “The Court of Appeal session is crucial for addressing serious crimes and promoting public safety,” he added.
The appeals being considered date back to 2010, with the most recent from 2017, including two individuals sentenced to life for murder.
However, Samuel Muhumuza, representing the Uganda Law Society president, expressed concerns over the Court of Appeal’s performance, noting a low disposal rate of just 7.2 percent in the last financial year, which hinders access to justice. “We are dissatisfied with the Court of Appeal’s performance, as it does not reflect well on the judiciary and deprives access to justice,” said Muhumuza.
Additionally, Fort Portal High Court Resident Judge Justice Vincent Mugabo revealed a backlog of 1,242 cases for the 2023/2024 year, with 378 stemming from previous years. The backlog includes 522 criminal cases, along with 3,465 cases being handled by Chief Magistrates’ courts in Fort Portal, Kyenjojo, Bunyangabu, and Ntoroko.
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