DCJ Buteera, Austrian envoy discuss case backlog

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Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera and head of Austrian Embassy Development Co-operation in Uganda Dr Katja Kerschbaumer have discussed how to expeditiously tackle case backlog in the Judiciary.

The meeting was held on August 7, 2024, when Kerschbaumer, who is also the chairperson of the Justice Sector Development Partners Group, paid a courtesy call to Buteera, at the Court of Appeal, Judiciary headquarters in Kampala.

She was accompanied by Beate Farukuoye (governance advisor and deputy head of Austrian Embassy Development Co-operation) and Patience Poni Ayikoru.

Additionally, Buteera and Kerschbaumer brainstormed ways to support the justice centres and discussed the recent anti-corruption demonstrations in Kampala and other parts of the country.

Buteera highlighted that the Judiciary established a Case Management Committee to address the case backlog and that the committee is developing a work plan.

He appreciated Kerschbaumer's concern about the backlog, stating that the committee would soon meet to discuss the issue further.

Regarding justice centres, Buteera commended their work in assisting the Judiciary, emphasising the importance of maintaining a strong working relationship with them.

On demonstrations, the DCJ stressed the importance of the organisers of demonstrations to work with the Police to agree on how the protests should be conducted.

“The demonstrators who were arrested are being handled and many have already been released on bail,” Buteera said.

Among those released on bail include Francis Zaake (Mityana Municipality MP), Charles Tebandeke (Bbaale County MP) and Hassan Kirumira (Katikamu South MP).

They are accused of taking part in unlawful assembly and disobeying police lawful orders during the July 22, protests at Makerere Kavule in Kawempe, Kampala.

Kerschbaumer expressed gratitude for the engagement and congratulated the Court of Appeal on its new building, calling it a significant achievement.

The new Court of Appeal building. (File)

She also congratulated the Judiciary for holding Case Settlement Week, which started on Monday, August 5, 2024.

The Case Settlement Week is aimed at providing a platform for parties to resolve disputes filed in the court through mediation and negotiation.

Kerschbaumer mentioned efforts to secure funding for Justice Centres and explore ways to involve donors in initiatives aimed at reducing the case backlog.

The meeting was attended by Gakyaro Mpirwe Allan, Personal Assistant to the DCJ.