KAMPALA– The Court of Appeal in Kampala is set to hold a Criminal Appeals session during which a total of 26 criminal appeals will be heard.
The session will run from Monday, 16th June 2025, to Wednesday, 18th June 2025.
It will be presided over by a panel of Justices comprising Lady Justice Hellen Obura, Justice Dr. Asa Mugenyi, Lady Justice Margaret Tibulya, and Lady Justice Esta Nambayo.
The cause list signed by the Court’s Registrar, HW Rukundo Allen Owembabazi, indicates that of the appeals to be handled during the session, Aggravated Robbery has the highest number with eight (8) cases. This is followed by Defilement with six (6) appeals, while Murder has four (4) appeals.
Embezzlement and kidnap each have two (2) appeals. Theft, Rape and Robbery, Making a False Statement, and Money Laundering each have one (1) appeal.
The State is appealing the acquittal of Mr Ezech Gibson Chukue Buka on the charges of Money Laundering while one appellant wants the Court to quash the death sentence imposed by the High Court for the offence of Murder.
Another appellant is appealing against a life sentence for Murder and Aggravated Robbery.
Preparations
A pre-hearing meeting, presided over by all Justices on the Panel, that is, Lady Justice Obura, Justice Dr. Asa Mugenyi, Lady Justice Tibulya, and Lady Justice Nambayo, was held on Friday in preparation for the upcoming session.
The meeting aimed at assessing the readiness of all stakeholders involved in the hearing of the appeals to identify and address any potential gaps before the session commences.
Present were HW Rukundo (Registrar, Court of Appeal), HW Mwogera Eunice, HW Mukanza Brenda Apoffy, and HW Nabyangwe Annah (Magistrates Grade I Research attached to the Justices), as well as Mr. Dennis Rwatooro (Senior Systems Administrator).
Also in attendance were representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), led by Ms. Happiness Ainebyona, Chief State Attorney.
Appellants participated via video link from Luzira Upper, Murchison Bay, Kigo Main, and Luzira Women Prisons while their legal representatives (defense counsel) were physically present.
