Editor
The Bushenyi High Court circuit officially commenced a 40-day session for criminal cases on Monday, presided over by Resident Judge Justice Amos Kwizera. In his address to stakeholders at the court premises, Justice Kwizera emphasized that the Bushenyi High Court circuit is now fully operational as of January 2024.
Justice Kwizera highlighted the significance of bringing judicial services closer to the people of greater Bushenyi, aiming to address the challenges of case backlogs. He stated that the focus during the criminal sessions would be on pre-bargaining and ensuring fair hearings.
Acting Deputy Registrar, Goretti Arinaitwe, explained that the 40-day criminal sessions would encompass 40 cases, including 21 murder cases, 10 cases of aggravated robbery, six cases of aggravated defilement, one case of human trafficking, one rape case, and one kidnapping case. Arinaitwe mentioned that priority would be given to criminal cases where suspects have spent two to five years on remand, with plea bargaining sessions conducted before trial and sentencing.
Jaffari Bassajjabalaba, the Bushenyi district chairperson, expressed approval for the establishment of a high court circuit and the appointment of a resident judge for greater Bushenyi.
He welcomed the initiative, citing longstanding issues within the region, such as case backlogs, transportation challenges, missing files, and other predicaments faced at the Mbarara High Court.
