Rukungiri High Court Launches Criminal Session to Tackle 40 Capital Cases

The High Court sitting in Rukungiri officially opened its criminal session t with a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Resident Judge, Lady Justice Susan Kanyange.

The session, which aims to handle 40 capital criminal cases, marks a critical step in the Judiciary’s ongoing campaign to reduce case backlogs and improve access to timely justice.

Among the cases scheduled for hearing are 20 involving Aggravated Defilement, 12 for Murder, four for Rape, five for Aggravated Robbery, and one case of Trafficking in Persons.

In her address, Lady Justice Kanyange reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to efficient and fair adjudication.

She called on all justice sector actors to uphold discipline, punctuality, and adherence to procedural timelines to ensure the smooth execution of the session.

“This session is not just about numbers. It’s about restoring trust, ensuring accountability, and delivering justice to victims and accused persons alike. We urge cooperation and focus from all parties involved,” she said.

She also emphasized the strategic importance of plea bargaining as a mechanism for speeding up justice and reducing the burden on courts.

“Those who acknowledge their actions should consider engaging in plea negotiations. It’s a lawful, fair, and time-saving approach,” she advised.

The pre-session meeting brought together stakeholders from the entire criminal justice chain, including Judicial Officers, State Attorneys, defense counsel provided by the State, Uganda Police, and Uganda Prisons Service. Each agency affirmed its readiness to facilitate the session’s success.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reported that all case files were fully prepared and that witness mobilization was in progress.

Defense lawyers confirmed that consultations with the accused had been completed to ensure effective legal representation.

Meanwhile, Police and Prisons officers noted logistical preparedness, even as they acknowledged persistent challenges such as prison congestion.

The stakeholders’ meeting, moderated by Her Worship Hellen Atigo, was immediately followed by a plea-taking exercise to officially commence proceedings.

The session is expected to run until the end of June 2025, offering a timely opportunity for justice to be served and reinforcing the Judiciary’s nationwide efforts to clear long-pending cases.