The acting Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo on Tuesday opened up a Court of Appeal criminal session at Mbarara High Court circuit.
The Session, which will handle 40 appeals, will be handled by Justices, Elizabeth Musoke, Stephen Musota and Remmy Kasule.
Before the Session could begin, the Ag Chief Justice and panel of Justices in the session went to Mbarara Prison where they sensitized the appellants. Justice Dollo explained 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 coronavirus, all activities were stopped including court activities,” he said.
Adding, that due to 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 reassured the 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.
He explained that in the circumstances, this was the only viable option.
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.
He added, “what we are doing is not isolating you but the situation demands that we do that. You are advised to take advantage of your contact with the advocate so that you raise any issues, seek all clarifications you seek to have so that at the end of it all you are
satisfied with the outcome.’’
Some appellants, however, came in with their own submissions saying their lawyers had not consulted them.
The scientific session is the first of its kind at the Court of Appeal.