MICHAEL N
Authorities in Ntungamo District have raised concern over a sharp increase in criminal cases, calling for urgent community sensitisation and stronger institutional support.
The concerns were highlighted yesterday during the Second High Court circuit sitting held at the Ntungamo Court premises, where 50 criminal cases were scheduled for final judgment. The session was presided over by Lawrence Tweyanze Karikwisya, the Resident Judge of Kasese High Court.
Ntungamo District Probation Officer, Benon Mugume, attributed the rise in criminal cases to a range of social challenges, including child neglect, poverty, sexual immorality, and domestic violence—some of which result in death. He also pointed to the growing number of street children in urban centres, largely due to idleness, which exposes them to crimes such as rape, robbery, and defilement.
Mugume noted that although authorities are fulfilling their responsibilities, many community members remain passive and lack adequate knowledge about the law, underscoring the need for continuous sensitisation and awareness campaigns.
Representing the political leadership, the Ntungamo LC5 Chairperson, Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigoba, emphasised the need for the Judiciary to establish a High Court in the district. He said this would ease access to justice, as residents currently have to travel to Mbarara High Court for hearings and rulings.
Rwakigoba further observed that many criminal cases stem from land disputes that escalate into violence and even death. He also criticised some litigants for failing to diligently follow up on their cases, including presenting evidence and witnesses in court.
The Chief Administrative Officer of Ntungamo, Kiza Fedelis, cited the district’s large population—estimated at 552,786—as another contributing factor, noting that females constitute 55 percent while males account for 45 percent.
He added that the district council, together with stakeholders, has already offered free land to the Judiciary for the construction of a High Court, which he believes would help reduce case backlog and improve access to justice.
Other stakeholders, including police, prisons authorities, and Ntungamo Court Magistrate HW Gordon Muhimbise, also blamed the increase in criminal cases on complainants who fail to follow through with their cases or present sufficient evidence. They warned that such gaps often lead to suspects being granted bail or released, allowing them to return to their communities without accountability.
According to a report presented by Grace Atwongyere, Ntungamo District accounts for over 700 criminal cases out of the 1,436 registered at the Mbarara High Court Circuit.
Justice Karikwisya noted that although Ntungamo was granted approval to have a High Court in 2023, the district must first present a land title before funds can be released for construction. He added that holding High Court sessions within the district improves communication, as proceedings are conducted in languages understood by the local population.
He urged district leaders and stakeholders to expedite the land title process to secure the establishment of a permanent High Court.
