Judiciary in plea bargain sensitisation drive

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The Judiciary, through the Registry of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in partnership with the Judicial Training Institute, has embarked on a sensitisation campaign ahead of the upcoming plea-bargaining camps at Gulu and Lira prisons.

The October 13-15, 2025, sensitisation campaigns are expected to be presided over by Acting Principal Judge Jane Okuo Kajuga.

This initiative is part of the Judiciary’s continued efforts to promote access to justice and strengthen restorative justice practices within Uganda’s criminal justice system.

So far, 227 inmates have enrolled from Lira Main Prison, while 215 have joined from Gulu and Kitgum High Court circuits. Over 100 of these have already negotiated their sentences, pending judicial confirmation, in cases such as aggravated robbery, defilement, murder and trafficking in persons.

The sensitisation drive, led by Justice Andrew Khaukha, the Focal Judge in charge of ADR, was conducted by a multi-sectoral team comprising judicial officers, state attorneys, defence lawyers and other judiciary staff.

The exercise aims to promote timely access to justice by educating inmates on how plea bargaining enables faster disposal of cases for offenders who admit their crimes and demonstrate a willingness to reform.

Justice Khaukha said plea bargaining aligns with Uganda’s traditional restorative justice systems, such as Mato Oput and Gomo Otom among the Acholi, which focus on reconciliation through dialogue and symbolic rituals.

During the interactive sessions, the team observed that inmates raised concerns about delayed hearings, remand period deductions and rejection of plea agreements.

The issues were addressed by the facilitators from the ADR Registry, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and defence counsel, who explained the plea bargain processes from initiation to judicial approval.

Justice Khaukha urged inmates to voluntarily enrol in the programme, noting that it not only reduces case backlog but also enhances rehabilitation.

The sessions were facilitated by Lillian Bucyana (Judicial Training Institute Deputy Registrar), Suzanne Aisia Musooli (Deputy Registrar of Kitgum High Court); Esther Nasambu (Chief Magistrate), and Daniel Bwambale (Principal Magistrate Grade I) from the ADR Registry.

They were supported by judicial officers Joel Wegoye, Mallen Obizu, Josephine Nakato, and Murungi Esther Bigabwa from the Judicial Training Institute.

The ODPP team was led by Margaret Nakigudde (Plea Bargain Focal Person) and Lillian Nandawula, while lawyer Susan Wakabala represented the defence. The sessions were moderated by Zulaika Nanteza, the Acting Registrar in charge of the ADR Registry.