Court of Appeal holds special session to clear long-pending criminal cases

The Court of Appeal of Uganda has commenced a three-day weed-out session in Kampala aimed at addressing a backlog of criminal appeals that have remained pending in the justice system for years.

The session, which runs from Tuesday, May 5 to May 7, 2026, will handle a total of 66 cases and is part of ongoing judicial efforts to enhance efficiency and speed up the delivery of justice.

Proceedings are being presided over by a panel of three Justices comprising Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, and Justice Musa Ssekaana.

According to the cause list signed by Registrar Rukundo Allen Owembabazi, aggravated defilement cases dominate the session with 16 appeals, followed by 14 murder cases.

Other matters include six appeals related to obtaining money by false pretence, five for manslaughter, and four each for aggravated robbery and embezzlement.

The list also features appeals involving forgery, theft of motor vehicles, and causing grievous harm, each with two cases, while single appeals cover offences such as rape, trafficking in children, possession of classified drugs, abuse of office, simple robbery, corrupt solicitation, and making false or incorrect entries.

Key justice sector stakeholders, including the Uganda Prisons Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and defence lawyers, are participating in the proceedings.

Judicial officials say the weed-out exercise is designed to streamline the court’s docket by determining the status of each case and removing those that cannot proceed, thereby freeing up resources and accelerating the hearing of viable appeals.

The initiative is part of broader reforms within Uganda’s judiciary aimed at reducing case backlog and ensuring timely access to justice for all.