Mbale, Uganda – In a significant step toward improving access to justice, Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija officially launched the Court of Appeal in Mbale on Monday. The new court, which will operate within the Mbale High Court building, is set to serve the Eastern region, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances to Kampala for appeal services.
The launch marks a pivotal moment for the region, as 26 cases are scheduled to be heard from Monday to Wednesday this week. These cases include appeals related to murder, defilement, rape, aggravated robbery, and grievous harm. Justice Zeija emphasized that the initiative is part of the Judiciary’s broader strategy to decentralize services and ensure timely resolution of cases, particularly as the country approaches election season.
For years, residents of the Eastern region faced significant challenges in accessing the Court of Appeal, which is headquartered in Kampala. The long distances, coupled with the associated costs, often deterred individuals from pursuing justice.
“Some individuals had been denied justice due to the distance and costs associated with accessing the Court of Appeal in Kampala,” said Sam Wanambwa, a resident of Mbale City. With the new court in Mbale, these barriers are expected to diminish, allowing more people to seek justice without the burden of travel. Stephen Mupuya, another resident, expressed gratitude for the development, noting that it would significantly improve access to legal services in the region.
The Court of Appeal session in Mbale will be presided over by a panel of three judges: Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja, Lady Justice Margaret Tibulya, and Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi. The cases scheduled for hearing include 11 murder convictions, 10 defilement cases, two rape cases, two cases of murder and aggravated robbery, and one case of grievous harm.
Lady Justice Margaret Apiny, the Head of Mbale High Court Resident Judge, welcomed the initiative, noting that Mbale currently has a caseload of 4,007 cases. She praised the professionalism of advocates and thanked stakeholders, including the Uganda Prisons Service, for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth operation of the court.
Ms. Tumuhaise Rose, representing the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), commended the Judiciary for implementing the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), which has streamlined the filing of submissions and improved efficiency. However, she urged the court to allow the DPP to appeal lenient sentences and expressed concerns about the reduction of sentences for appellants, advocating for maintaining or increasing sentences where appropriate.
The establishment of the Court of Appeal in Mbale is part of the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to decentralize its services and bring justice closer to the people. Similar initiatives are planned for other regions, with branches of the Court of Appeal set to be launched in Mbarara and Gulu districts in the near future.
Justice Zeija reiterated that the move is not only about accessibility but also about ensuring the swift handling of cases, particularly election-related petitions, as the country prepares for upcoming elections.
The launch of the Court of Appeal in Mbale has been hailed as a landmark achievement for the Eastern region. By addressing the challenges of distance and cost, the new court is expected to enhance access to justice, restore public confidence in the legal system, and contribute to the timely resolution of cases. As the Judiciary continues to expand its reach, the people of Mbale and the surrounding regions can look forward to a more accessible and efficient justice system, bringing hope and relief to countless individuals seeking redress.
