Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija has called on judicial officers at the Masindi High Court to partner with religious leaders in mediating disputes, particularly in family and land-related cases.
He made the remarks on Monday, May 12, during the official opening of a Court of Appeal criminal session at the Masindi High Court.
The three-day session, which ends on Wednesday, May 14,(today) will handle 27 criminal appeals. Murder tops the list with 14 cases, followed by aggravated defilement (9) and aggravated robbery (4). Notably, three appellants are challenging life sentences.
Dr. Zeija, presiding over the session alongside Justices Christopher Gashirabake and Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka, emphasized the importance of bringing justice closer to the people through regional sessions.
“This cuts transport and litigation costs for litigants who used to travel to Kampala,” he said.
Drawing from his experience as a resident judge in Masaka, Zeija highlighted the critical role religious leaders played in alternative dispute resolution. He urged the judiciary to tap into this resource to reduce case backlogs and deliver timely justice.
Masindi Resident Judge Mary Babirye revealed that the court is handling 1,034 cases, with a backlog of 453. The magistrate’s court also faces a backlog of 101 cases. She cited challenges like inadequate holding space for suspects and delays in case commitments by the DPP.
Masindi District Police Commander Pensive Tukasiime reported a surge in land-related crimes, while Damali Nabulya, officer in charge of Masindi Prison, raised concerns over congestion—housing 1,816 inmates against a 266 capacity.
The session emphasized a shared goal: to reduce backlogs, promote plea bargaining, and ensure justice is both delivered and seen to be done.