Acting PJ Kajuga launches plea bargain at Masaka Prison

________________


Acting Principal Judge (PJ) Jane Okuo Kajuga has launched a plea-bargaining camp at Masaka Main Prison to enhance access to justice and decongest prisons.

Kajuga was on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, received by a team of stakeholders, including Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha (the focal judge in charge of alternative dispute resolution); Masaka resident judge Fatuma Nanziri, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Baptist Asiimwe and Resident City Commissioner Ahmedi Washaki.

Others were Uganda Law Society (ULS) vice-president Anthony Asiimwe, deputy registrar Leo Karungi, registrar ADR Nanteza Zulaika, District Kadhi Sheikh Badru Kiruta and Fr. Martin Ochola.

The Regional Prisons Commander and the Officer in Charge of Masaka Main Prison highlighted the pressing issue of prison congestion and commended the plea-bargaining initiative for its positive contribution in reducing inmate numbers.

ULS' Asiimwe lauded the Judiciary for promoting plea bargaining as a tool to enhance access to justice for inmates.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration among justice actors, noting that previous prison visits by the ULS revealed challenges that could not be addressed in isolation.

“I am happy that now the missing link has been found. With this partnership, we can achieve much more,” he said, calling on all stakeholders to play their part in realising access to justice.

The Resident City Commissioner urged the community to live harmoniously to prevent crimes often committed in anger and revenge, which contribute to prison congestion.

The resident judge expressed her gratitude to the PJ for selecting Masaka for this quarter’s plea-bargaining camp, stating that it would greatly help in reducing congestion. She urged all justice actors to ensure that justice is served for both victims and offenders.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions thanked stakeholders for their efforts in preparing for the camp.

He reminded prosecutors to thoroughly review case files, emphasising that their duty is to seek justice, not merely convictions.

He encouraged inmates who acknowledge their offences to enrol for plea bargaining.

Justice Khaukha noted that extensive sensitisation efforts had been conducted prior to the camp.

He recounted a Saturday session where he, alongside a team from the ADR Registry and Judicial Training Institute (JTI), engaged inmates on plea bargaining.

Two inmates were invited to share their understanding of the process and were recommended as “brand ambassadors” for the programme.

The PJ commended the Focal Judge and his team for their dedication to promoting plea bargaining and for training stakeholders at various courts.

She echoed the messages from the religious leaders, emphasizing that while the criminal justice system is adversarial and punitive, innovations like plea bargaining create space for reconciliation and forgiveness.

“Our role is to do justice to all parties involved,” she stressed.

She thanked all stakeholders for their participation and commitment to the Camp. The event was moderated by justice Nanteza Zulaika.