GBV cases dominate Masaka High Court criminal caseload

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The Masaka High Court resident judge Lawrence Tweyanze, has expressed concern over the high rate of gender-based violence (GBV), which accounts for nearly half of all criminal cases reported.

Currently, the court has a caseload of 4,203 cases, with 1,260 criminal cases ready for trial. Of these, 565—almost 50%—are related to GBV.

Justice Tweyanze revealed this on March 12, 2025, during the launch of the Judiciary Time-Share Fast Mechanism for GBV cases, codenamed Justice 4Her, at Masaka High Court. The project is supported by the Australian Development Cooperation through UN Women.

His revelation was supported by the Ag. Chief Registrar, Pamela Lamunu Ochaya, who highlighted the Judiciary’s ongoing struggle with high caseloads and backlogs.

As of January 2025, there were 173,628 pending cases, with a backlog of 43,560. Ochaya noted that the situation is worsened by the limited number of judicial officers, currently standing at 707.

“GBV cases account for a significant portion of the caseload. Beyond the numbers, these statistics represent real people—victims who need support during and after trials, and an overwhelmed judicial system struggling to handle case volumes efficiently,” Ochaya said.

She added that partnerships with organisations like UN Women will enhance GBV case management through fast-tracking systems.

Officiating at the launch, Principal Judge Dr Flavian Zeija called on stakeholders to empower GBV survivors not only with legal support but also with the confidence that their voices matter, their experiences are valid, and their rights will be upheld.

He explained that, globally, women and girls, like those in Uganda, often suffer in silence due to societal norms, economic barriers, and systemic inefficiencies.

Many GBV cases remain unresolved due to limited legal awareness, fear of retaliation, or an inaccessible justice system.

“The project will improve case pre-trial preparation, enhance the use of technology during trials, strengthen staff capacity, and provide institutional support to victims. It will also ensure offenders’ rights are protected through meaningful legal representation and proportionate sentencing,” he said.

According to Zeija, the project’s cornerstone is multi-sectoral coordination, demonstrated through joint cause-listing of trial-ready cases and case conferencing. It also recognises the role of probation and social welfare officers in tracing victims and drafting victim impact statements.

Dr Katja Yvonne Kerschbaumer, head of the Austrian Embassy/Development Cooperation, noted that the project builds on its first phase, which focused on enhancing women’s and girls’ access to justice through effective, accountable, and gender-responsive institutions.

“This new phase will prioritise the actual disposal of GBV cases across the Masaka, Gulu, and Arua High Court circuits, ensuring timely and quality justice services for survivors,” she said.

She reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to human rights, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable groups, emphasising that GBV is a widespread violation with devastating societal consequences.

“Addressing GBV is not just a moral imperative but a critical factor in achieving sustainable development and upholding the dignity and rights of all individuals,” she added.

Dr Katja stressed that institutionalising daily hearings for GBV cases would strengthen public trust in the justice system and demonstrate Uganda’s commitment to protecting survivors.

“Institutionalising daily hearings and enhancing justice sector capacity will not only improve access to justice but also transform the system into one that serves all individuals, regardless of gender, status, or location,” she said.

On the same occasion, UN Women country representative Dr Paulina Chiwangu emphasised that combating GBV requires significant resources and thanked the Austrian Development Agency for its continued support.

She reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to ending all forms of violence against women and girls, stating that access to justice is a fundamental component of a gender-responsive judicial system.

“GBV remains a critical issue in Uganda, affecting both human rights and national development,” she noted, citing alarming statistics: 51% of Ugandan women experience physical violence. She added that the Uganda Police Annual Crime Reports (2021–2024) show rising cases of defilement, rape, and domestic violence.

Dr Chiwangu emphasised that Justice 4Her seeks to institutionalise GBV case hearings, reduce case backlogs, enhance victim support, and improve legal outcomes through judicial training and resource allocation.