Wakiso High Court circuit holds the first-ever pre-criminal session meeting

In a defining moment for Uganda’s justice system, Wakiso High Court circuit officially set the wheels of justice in motion with its inaugural Pre-Criminal Session Meeting, convened at its new home in Nabweru, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District.

The meeting brought together an impressive spectrum of criminal justice stakeholders in what will be remembered as a historic step toward decentralizing justice and bringing legal services closer to the people.

Presiding over the meeting was Hon. Lady Justice Sarah Langa Siu, Head of the Wakiso High Court Circuit. In her opening remarks, she warmly welcomed all attendees and emphasized the significance of the occasion.

She noted that Wakiso is one of five new High Court Circuits recently operationalized by the Judiciary leadership as part of a broader strategy to enhance access to justice, reduce thousands of case backlog, and streamline judicial services across Uganda.

“This court now has jurisdiction over Busiro East, Busiro North, and Nansana Municipality,” Justice Langa shared. “It will be handling all civil and criminal cases that previously had to be filed in Kampala-based High Court Divisions—except for matters before the Anti-Corruption and International Crimes Divisions.”

The session was not merely ceremonial—it was deeply practical. Justice Langa emphasized the collaborative spirit required for the court to succeed: “Together, we are going to build a strong and efficient justice team. Every one of your efforts directly feeds into our success.”

She was joined by Hon. Lady Justice Grace Flavia Lamunu Birungi, the Resident Judge of the Circuit; His Worship Mulalira Faisal Umar, the Deputy Registrar; and a diverse mix of key criminal justice actors: prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), defense attorneys (State Briefs), officers from Uganda Prisons Service (including Kigo, Luzira, and Masaka Bay), the District Police Commander, and community assessors.

What made this meeting stand out was its interactive and inclusive tone. Stakeholders were taken through the expected roles and responsibilities during the upcoming in-house criminal sessions.

Court assessors—who play a vital advisory role in the trial process—were particularly briefed on their ethical obligations and their importance in promoting public trust in judicial outcomes.

The Deputy Registrar confirmed that over 80 criminal cases are cause-listed for full trial, with sessions set to commence on Monday, May 19th, 2025. These cases involve both capital and non-capital offences and were meticulously selected to address long-standing delays that have left many victims and accused persons in limbo.

“This session is not just about trials,” His Worship Mulalira emphasized. “It’s about restoring faith in the justice system. It’s about giving victims a platform to tell their stories and letting accused persons finally have their day in court.”

Stakeholders expressed optimism that the sessions will help decongest prisons, reduce case backlogs, and deliver outcomes closure to families who have waited for justice for far too long. The sense of urgency, combined with renewed hope, was palpable.

The establishment of the Wakiso High Court Circuit has been widely welcomed by the community. It is a landmark achievement for the Judiciary and a critical infrastructure for Uganda’s legal landscape. With the pre-session meeting now successfully concluded, Wakiso High Court is officially ready to serve.

Justice is coming home. And it begins now. Whisper Eye shall keep you updated.