Entebbe, Uganda: The High Court in Entebbe Municipality has finalized preparations for an upcoming criminal session scheduled to begin on June 30, 2026, after stakeholders reviewed 60 cases earmarked for hearing and discussed measures to strengthen justice delivery within the circuit.
The preparations were undertaken during a pre-session meeting chaired by Resident Judge Lady Justice Flavia Nabakooza Kalungi and moderated by Assistant Registrar HW Butanula Rashida.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, and members of the legal fraternity to assess readiness for the criminal session.
During the engagement, stakeholders reviewed a cause list comprising 60 criminal cases due for hearing during the forthcoming session.
The Resident State Attorney urged police officers to physically serve witnesses with court summonses instead of relying solely on telephone communication, arguing that personal service would help reduce delays arising from witness absenteeism.
Counsel Peruth Nshemereirwe, representing advocates on State Brief, called upon lawyers handling private matters to remain committed to their clients and avoid unnecessary adjournments that slow the disposal of cases.
Later in the day, the Court convened a Regional Coordination Committee (RCC) meeting that brought together justice sector actors, local government leaders and security officials to discuss challenges affecting access to justice in the region.
Entebbe Municipality Mayor Fabrice Rwalinda pledged office space within the municipality’s renovated offices to accommodate Entebbe Magistrates Court, a mediation office and an additional High Court Judge.
The proposal is expected to ease space constraints and improve access to judicial services within the municipality.
On matters of security and coordination, Deputy Resident District Commissioner Frank Kyazze proposed the inclusion of a judicial officer in monthly security and village meetings to strengthen collaboration between justice institutions and local leaders.
Kyazze also requested that criminal cases originating from Kasanje be heard at Entebbe High Court instead of Wakiso, citing the long distances travelled by litigants and witnesses.
Meanwhile, Kajjansi Chief Magistrate HW Olga Karungi raised concerns over jurisdictional ambiguities affecting areas including Makindye Ssabagabo, Ndejje and Masajja.
Stakeholders also highlighted the need to integrate Kajjansi Chief Magistrate’s Court into the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), the Judiciary’s digital platform designed to improve case management and access to justice.
Representatives from the ODPP, Uganda Police Force and Uganda Prisons Service requested specialized training on ECCMIS to enable them effectively utilize the system in handling cases.
Participants further commended the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to prosecute repeat offenders and expedite criminal trials.
According to stakeholders, the criminal sessions conducted by Entebbe High Court have significantly contributed to reducing prison remand populations by ensuring that cases are heard and concluded within reasonable timeframes.
The upcoming criminal session is expected to further strengthen the administration of justice and improve case disposal rates within the Entebbe High Court Circuit.
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