'20% of pending criminal trials settled by plea bargain'

Jan 29, 2018

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, and Vice-President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi attended the opening.

PIC: Speaker of Parliament Kadaga delivering her address at the High Court function on Monday. (Credit: Judiciary of Uganda)

LAW | JUDICIARY


KAMPALA - Chief Justice Bart Katureebe has said about 20% of the pending criminal trials have been settled through plea bargaining.

Katureebe made the revelation at the opening of the new law year 2018 at the High Court in Kampala on Monday.

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga and Vice-President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi attended the opening. Ssekandi representated President Yoweri Museveni, and delivered his message on his behalf.

Katureebe presided over the function.

In his remarks, deputy justice minister Mwesigwa Rukutana said the Judiciary Bill will soon be tabled in Parliament after its administration was given a green light by the House.

The Bill contains the retirement benefits of judicial officers.

Mwesigwa also revealed that building os a the judiciary headquarters at Naguru in Kampala is due to kick off.

Representatives from the three arms of government (judiciary, executive and legislature) attended the function on the grey Monday morning.

In her remarks, Kadaga said there is "need for the arms of the state to give each other space".

"A court cannot order the Speaker to close the House and come and attend a court session," she said.

 

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