Uganda v Katanga & Others
Uganda v Katanga & Others (Criminal Revision 43 of 2023) [2024] UGHCCRD 1 (24 January 2024)
The Chief Magistrate lacked jurisdiction to take plea on a charge sheet containing a count of murder, a capital offence triable only by the High Court. The gravest offence on the charge sheet determines the jurisdiction, and since murder was included, only the High Court could properly take plea and try the matter. Any action taken by the Chief Magistrate in this regard was irregular and a nullity. The pleas entered by the respondents before the Chief Magistrate are set aside, and the respondents must take plea before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Source excerpt
- Jurisdiction Of Magistrates
- Taking Plea On Capital Offences
- Irregular Proceedings
- Setting Aside Null Orders