FORT PORTAL-Justices Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Muzamiru Kibeedi, and Margaret Tibulya on Wednesday concluded the hearing of the Criminal Appeals Session in Fort Portal. The session, officiated by Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, had 26 cases listed.
The Justices delivered judgments in 18 appeals as they reserved 5 judgments which will be delivered later. Out of the 18 concluded appeals, 12 were allowed, and six were dismissed, representing a completion rate of 69%.
Among the dismissed appeals were two cases in which murder convicts sought to overturn their sentences for killing a mother-in-law and a girlfriend, respectively. The Justices directed the appellants to continue serving sentences of 18 and 23 years in prison.
Three appeals were adjourned, including one where the appellant was certified by medical evidence to be mentally unstable and incapable of understanding the proceedings. The medical reports recommended further psychiatric management at Butabika Hospital.
In a post-session review meeting, Ms. Nabaasa Caroline Hope, Principal Assistant DPP, expressed regret over incidents of late filings. She attributed these issues to sudden schedule changes for the session, which affected workflow in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). She requested timely notifications in the event of any changes. She also urged the Justices to acknowledge the names of ODPP officers responsible for the written submissions in their judgments, emphasizing their importance for posterity.
Mr. Muhumuza Samuel, a member of the Uganda Law Society, called for more sessions to prevent listing Appellants who may have already served their sentences.
Hon. Lady Justice Margaret Tibulya thanked both ODPP and private advocates for enabling the session to conclude smoothly. She highlighted the importance of holding bar-bench dialogues to address cases and record management issues.
Justice Muzamiru Kibeedi emphasised the significance of effective communication in managing sessions. He committed to mentioning the names of State Attorneys who file written submissions in the judgments, even if they are not present in court, stressing the need to acknowledge their efforts.
Hon. Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, who headed the panel, called for flexibility, stating that “working in an imperfect world requires one to be adaptable and accommodating” to schedule changes, some of which are unavoidable and may be necessary to ensure efficiency in work processes.
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