Court of Appeal to Hear 30 Criminal Appeals in Masaka Session

Kampala– The Court of Appeal  will hold a three-day criminal appeals session in Masaka from March 16 to 18, 2026, during which 30 criminal appeals are scheduled to be heard.

The session will be presided over by a panel comprising Christopher Gashirabake, Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka, and Esta Nambayo.

Ahead of the session, Justice Nambayo convened a pre-hearing meeting to assess the preparedness of key stakeholders and address any potential gaps that could affect the smooth conduct of the proceedings.

The meeting was attended by the Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Allen Owembabazi Rukundo; Magistrates Grade I (Research) attached to the presiding justices; Systems Administrator Martin Zziwa; and court clerk Charity Atwine.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) was represented by a team led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Kulu Idambi and Chief State Attorney Happiness Ainebyona.

All appellants, who are currently held at Masaka Prison, together with their legal representatives, participated in the meeting virtually. The hybrid arrangement is intended to facilitate full participation while minimizing logistical and security challenges associated with transporting inmates to court.

According to the cause list signed by Registrar Rukundo, the majority of the appeals relate to aggravated defilement, with 13 cases listed. Murder follows with nine appeals, while five appeals concern aggravated robbery. The court will also hear three appeals seeking to overturn rape convictions.

Among the matters scheduled for hearing is an appeal challenging a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or commutation imposed after a murder conviction.

The Masaka criminal session forms part of the Court of Appeal’s broader efforts to reduce the backlog of criminal appeals and enhance the timely delivery of justice. The initiative aligns with the Judiciary’s ongoing focus on strengthened case management, improved coordination among justice sector stakeholders, and expanded access to justice.