news 30 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Court of Appeal to Dismiss 26 Stale Criminal Appeals in Single-Day Session
Uganda's Court of Appeal will hold a one-day session on March 31 in Kampala to strike out 26 dormant criminal appeals, clearing cases stalled due to escaped appellants, completed sentences, deaths, or withdrawals. This initiative aims to reduce backlog and prioritize active matters, with aggravated defilement topping the list. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-to-clear-26-dormant-criminal-appeals-in-one-day-session-5408066
The Court of Appeal in Uganda is organizing a special one-day session to eliminate 26 inactive criminal appeals from its docket. Scheduled for March 31 in Kampala, the event targets cases that cannot proceed due to various reasons affecting the appellants.
These appeals, some as old as 2010, include three involving prison escapees, 13 where appellants have completed their sentences and been released, eight with deceased appellants, and two already withdrawn. The cause list, signed by Registrar Rukundo Allen Owembabazi, highlights this as a key step in backlog reduction.
A panel of three justices—Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, and Stella Alibateese—will oversee the proceedings. Stakeholders such as Uganda Prisons Service, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and legal practitioners are expected to attend.
Aggravated defilement leads with 13 cases, followed by six each for murder and aggravated robbery, and one rape appeal. This mirrors recent Judiciary efforts using special sessions to focus on viable cases and enhance justice delivery.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)