By Lucky Patrick
The Court of Appeal has officially commenced a series of hearings in Fort Portal city. The sessions, which began today at the fort portal high court in boma, are part of the court’s efforts to bring justice closer to the people by holding hearings outside its usual venue in Kampala and also alleviate the case load burden.
A total number of 26 criminal and civil cases are expected to be heard during the sittings, which will last for three days. The cases include appeals on convictions, sentencing, and civil disputes that have been pending in the lower courts.
Emmy Vincent Mugabo, the Fort Portal senior resident judge, noted that case backlogs have affected their work and that the magistrate’s court’s civil jurisdiction needs to be enhanced.
Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, the deputy chief justice of Uganda presided over the inaugural session, says there is a need to dispose of old cases so as to address the problem of backlog.
Additionally, he said that the parliament approved the expansion of the court of appeal from 15 to 35 judges.
The Court of Appeal, which is the second-highest court in Uganda, consists of a panel of justices who will preside over the sessions. These include Hon. Justice Geoffrey Kiyabwire, Hon Justice Muzamiru Kibeedi and Hon. Lady Justice Margeret Tibulya.
In the same sessions, Muhumuza Samuel who represented the Uganda law society president revealed that the court of appeal this year has had the worst performance record with a disposal of cases at 7.1%.
The Deputy Chief Justice, Richard Buteera revealed that two regional centers will be open in Gulu and Mbarara districts so as to bring services closer to the people and to ensure timely justice and reduce the backlog of cases that has affected many regions in the country.
