Acting Chief Justice Meets Prisoners as Scientific Appeal Session Kicks Off

The Acting chief Justice at the same time the head of court Appeal , Alfonse Owiny-Dollo on Tuesday officially opened the criminal Appeal session which is scheduled to be held  at Mbarara High Court circuit.

Before the Session could begin, Dollo and panel of Justices in the session paid a visit to Mbarara Prison where they sensitized the appellants.

In his remarks, Justice Dollo explained to them that the session had delayed to kick off because of the Covid-19 pandemic which had paralyzed operations of all government organs, including Judiciary.

 “We should have come here earlier this year but because of this corona virus, all activities were stopped including court activities…,” he said.

He added that basing on  the number of cases at the Court they decided to hold a scientific session.

 “We cannot hold normal court sessions because the rules of safety do not allow, so we decided to apply technology where you will not go in court in town but you will still be in court.”

He further all  appellants to trust the system as it will be as it is in the normal court session even though judges and appellants sit in different locations.

Justice Elizabeth Musoke urged the appellants to cooperate in order to get the justice they deserve. “We are here now and with your cooperation, we shall accomplish a lot and catch up with the lost time,” she said.

Justice Remmy Kasule said other than sit and wait in Kampala, they decided to bring the court experience to Mbarara because no one can ascertain when Covid-19 would end.

Justice Stephen Musota advised the convicts to get used to the system because that is where the country is heading to until when Covid-19 vaccine is found.

In this scientific session , Prisoners will appear in court via video Conferencing equipment and its the lawyers who will be present in court.

The Session, which will handle 40 appeals resulting from various convictions and sentences by High court

Out of the 40 appeal cases , 26 cases are murder , 8 Aggravated defilement , 3 Aggravated Robbery, and 3 resulted from Rape.