Court of Appeal to hear 27 criminal appeals in Masindi

MASINDI - The Court of Appeal is set to hold a criminal appeals session at Masindi High Court from Monday, May 12th to Wednesday, May 14 2025, during which 27 cases are scheduled for hearing.

According to the cause list signed by the Court of Appeal's Registrar, His Worship Allen Owembabazi Allen, Murder tops the list with 14 appeals, aggravated defilement follows with nine cases and aggravated robbery with four. 

"Notably, three appellants are challenging life sentences for murder convictions," indicated Rukundo.

This session will be presided over by Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, marking his first sitting in the Court of Appeal. 

He will be joined by Justices Christopher Gashirabake and Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka.

Last year, the Court of Appeal also conducted its first session in Masindi, which was being presided over by the former Chief Justice Richard Buteera.

While speaking during the official opening of a two-day Court of Appeal criminal session at Masindi High Court, he said that they decided to bring the Court of Appeal services nearer to the people of Uganda by holding Regional Court of Appeal sessions to ease physical access to justice for the people of Bunyoro region. 

"This will cut on the transportation and litigation costs formerly spent by litigants trekking to Kampala to access services of the court of appeal. We are mindful that Masindi High Court circuit, like other high court circuits and divisions, is faced with a challenge of case backlog and complaints of prisoners over staying on remand," said Buteera.

"Our aim is to clear the case backlog in the Judiciary, and this session is a clear indicator that we shall do our best to realise this goal and ensure Justice is not only done but seen to be done."