Court of Appeal to Hear 26 Dormant Criminal Appeals in Kampala

The Court of Appeal of Uganda will on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, hold a one-day “weed-out” session in Kampala aimed at clearing dormant criminal appeals that can no longer proceed.

The session will consider 26 cases that have accumulated over time but remain inactive due to various circumstances affecting the appellants. According to the court, three of the appeals involve individuals reported to have escaped from custody, thirteen relate to appellants who have since completed their sentences and been released, while eight involve deceased appellants. Two of the appeals have been formally withdrawn.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to streamline the court’s docket by determining the status of long-pending matters and removing those that are no longer viable. Judicial officials say the exercise is expected to strengthen case management and support the timely delivery of justice.

The session will bring together key justice sector actors, including representatives from the Uganda Prisons Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, members of the Bar, and affected appellants where applicable.

Proceedings will be presided over by a panel of three Justices: Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, and Stella Alibateese.

According to the cause list signed by Registrar Rukundo Allen Owembabazi, aggravated defilement cases constitute the largest share of appeals scheduled for consideration, accounting for thirteen matters. Murder and aggravated robbery cases each account for six appeals, while one appeal arises from a conviction for rape.

The court further noted that the appeals under review were filed between 2010 and 2022, underscoring the extent of case backlog within the system.

Judiciary officials say the weed-out session forms part of broader reforms aimed at reducing backlog and improving the efficiency of Uganda’s appellate justice system.