MASINDI, May 15, 2025 –– Damali Nabulya, Officer in Charge of Masindi Government Prison, has appealed to judicial officers to expedite the trial process for suspects on remand, citing severe overcrowding at the facility.
Speaking on Monday during the official opening of the Court of Appeal criminal session at Masindi High Court, Nabulya revealed that the prison, originally designed to accommodate 266 inmates, is currently housing 1,816 prisoners.
Of these, 430 are convicts, while 1,386 remain on remand. Nabulya disclosed that 338 of the remanded prisoners have been committed to the High Court for murder charges, 143 for aggravated robbery, 316 for aggravated defilement, 67 for rape, and five for human trafficking.
She raised concerns about the growing number of suspects who have overstayed on remand without trial, urging the judiciary to organise more plea bargain sessions to reduce the backlog.
Justice Zeija urges use of religious leaders, advocates in mediation
Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, who is presiding over the ongoing Court of Appeal criminal session, encouraged judicial officers at Masindi High Court to engage religious leaders and senior advocates in mediation, especially in family and land-related cases.
“When I served as Resident Judge at Masaka High Court, religious leaders were instrumental in resolving disputes. As we adopt alternative dispute resolution methods—such as mediation, negotiation, and plea bargaining—let us utilise religious leaders in mediating community disputes,” he said.
The Court of Appeal session, which runs from 12 to 14 May 2025, is handling 27 criminal appeals. According to the cause list signed by Court of Appeal Registrar Allen Owembabazi Rukundo, murder cases top the list with 14 appeals, followed by nine cases of aggravated defilement and four of aggravated robbery.
“Notably, three appellants are challenging life sentences for murder,” Rukundo added.
Presiding over the session alongside Justice Zeija are Justices Christopher Gashirabake and Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka.
Zeija explained that the session is part of efforts to decentralise Court of Appeal services and improve access to justice for residents of the Bunyoro sub-region.
“Bringing services closer to the people reduces litigation and transportation costs. We are aware of the backlog and complaints regarding suspects overstaying on remand. This session demonstrates our commitment to addressing those issues and ensuring justice is not only done but seen to be done,” he said.
He further noted that the Judiciary hopes to deploy at least two judges at every High Court circuit once funding becomes available.
Masindi High Court faces over 1,000-case backlog
Resident Judge of Masindi High Court, Mary Babirye, reported that the court is currently handling 1,034 cases. Of these, 83 were registered in May, 61 disposed of, and 453 remain as case backlog.
At the Chief Magistrate’s Court, 706 cases are being processed, with a backlog of 101.
“We are doing all we can to improve access to justice, encouraging people to embrace plea bargaining, negotiation, and mediation,” Babirye said.
However, she highlighted the challenge of inadequate holding space for suspects during court proceedings. Currently, suspects are housed at the Chief Magistrate’s premises, which she said causes logistical disruptions.
She also pointed to the problem of delays in case commitment to the High Court, noting that 209 cases have been committed and are ready for prosecution, while 75 remain uncommitted. She said her office is in discussions with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions [DPP] to address the issue.
“By 20 March, 37 cases were ready for plea bargain. We are engaging stakeholders to facilitate the session,” she added.
Land disputes driving criminal caseload
According to Masindi District Police Commander Pensive Tukasiime, most criminal cases brought to court originate from land disputes.
“Since the beginning of the year, we have registered 12 murder cases, all related to land wrangles. Of these, six have appeared in court, four are under further investigation, and two remain at the police station,” she said.
Tukasiime emphasised that prolonged land dispute cases often trigger other crimes, underscoring the need for faster resolution of land matters.
DPP questions appeals from plea bargains
Carolyn Nabbasa Hope, Principal State Attorney from the Office of the DPP, questioned the increasing number of appeals arising from plea bargains.
“We need to carefully examine why people are appealing decisions reached through plea bargains. If all stakeholders are involved in the process, why are we seeing appeals? A thorough review is necessary before finalising such judgements,” she said.
Calls for faster estate case handling and digitalisation
Speaking on behalf of advocates, Susan Zemei called for expedited handling of estate-related cases, noting that delays contribute significantly to case backlogs.
She also appealed for the digitalisation of Masindi and Hoima High Courts to fast-track judicial processes and improve efficiency.
https://thecooperator.news/court-clears-kotido-officials-in-emyooga-funds-mismanagement-case/
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