Ntungamo,Uganda – Judiciary and local leaders in Ntungamo District have raised concern over a soaring murder case backlog, attributing the trend to complainants failing to follow up their cases and reluctance to bring witnesses to court.
Presiding over the second High Court criminal session in Ntungamo for 50 cases, Kasese Resident Judge Lawrence Tweyanze Karikwitsya noted that the public’s hesitation to pursue their cases has fueled the backlog.
This follows a revelation by Mbarara High Court Circuit Deputy Registrar Grace Atwongyire that Ntungamo was designated for a High Court Circuit in 2023. The Judiciary is working to operationalize it because the Mbarara High Court Circuit is currently overwhelmed with 4,659 cases. Of these, 1,436 are criminal, and over 700 originate from Ntungamo District.
Judge Tweyanze urged the public to file cases through the Electronic Court Case Management System (ECCMS) to prevent corruption, bribery, and conmen at court, and to avoid long trips to Mbarara and wasted time.
Addressing a full courtroom of suspects, witnesses, lawyers, government officials, the public, and magistrates today at Ntungamo Magistrate’s Court, he appealed to suspects to embrace the plea bargain system. He said those who know they committed offenses should not waste the court’s time but plead guilty to receive lighter sentences.
Justice Tweyanze said the 40-day session could be completed in a maximum of 10 days if court officials perform as expected and witnesses cooperate.
However, Ntungamo Chief Administrative Officer Kiiza Fedelis blamed the rising crime cases on the district’s geography and population size. He noted that the 2024 census puts Ntungamo’s population at 552,786, with 45% male and 55% female.
The first High Court session was held in October 2025, presided over by Gulu Resident Judge Lady Justice Hellen Omara. The current session started today, Monday 27th April, and is expected to end by 27th May.
Cases to be heard include 17 of aggravated defilement, 25 of murder, 3 of aggravated robbery, 4 of rape, and 1 of kidnap with intent to kill. Most date from 2012 to 2023.
Other speakers included Ntungamo Chief Magistrate Gordon Muhimbise, Chief State Attorney Atim Jacqueline, RDC Miriam Kagaiga Mugisha, LCV Chairman Samuel Mucunguzi, and Defence Counsel Onesmus Matsiko.
Source: Radio Ankole
