Soroti, Uganda | The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has revealed that it is handling 437 criminal case files of accused persons awaiting trial in the Teso subregion, the majority involving capital offences such as murder and aggravated defilement.
The disclosure was made on during the inaugural Open Day organised by the Judiciary of Uganda at the Soroti High Court and Chief Magistrate’s Court grounds on Tuesday under the theme, “Enhancing Judicial Accountability and Access to Justice.”
The function was presided over by Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, accompanied by the Principal Judge, Jane Francis Abodo, and Soroti Resident Judge Boniface Wamala.
Presenting the regional status report, Soroti Regional Officer Gladys Macrina Nyanzi said the pending cases include 170 murder files, 163 aggravated defilement cases, 58 rape cases, 33 aggravated robbery cases and 13 aggravated trafficking cases.
She said the figures reflect the gravity of offences committed in the region and the heavy prosecutorial burden placed on the ODPP.
Nyanzi noted that they appreciated the Judiciary of Uganda for the numerous High Court sessions conducted over the last two years, which had greatly enhanced case disposal, and added that more sessions were still required, particularly to address the rising number of murder cases.
She further observed that some murder cases are subjected to clan-based settlements, which often compromise witnesses and undermine formal prosecution.
Earlier, State Attorney Paul Okello outlined the constitutional mandate of the ODPP, emphasising its independence in prosecutorial decision-making. He highlighted the operationalisation of the Prosecution Case Management Information System (PROCAMIS) and internal complaints mechanisms aimed at strengthening accountability within the institution.
Okello said the ODPP remains committed to upholding legality, fairness, and public interest in the criminal justice process.
The Open Day brought together justice sector actors and members of the public in a bid to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in the administration of justice.
Chief Justice Zeija said such engagements are intended to bridge the gap between the judiciary and the public, enhance understanding of court processes, and strengthen confidence in the rule of law.
The event highlighted the critical role of collaboration among justice institutions in delivering timely and effective justice across the Teso subregion.