Plea Bargain Drive Reaches Gulu and Lira as Justice Khaukha Leads Inmates' Sensitization
Hon. Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha (L), Focal Judge in charge of ADR at the Plea Bargain
The Registry of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), in partnership with the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), has rolled out a sensitization campaign ahead of the upcoming Plea Bargaining camps in Gulu and Lira Prisons scheduled for October 13 and 15,2025.
The sensitization drive was led by Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, Focal Judge in charge of ADR, supported by a multi-sectoral team consisting of Judicial Officers, State Attorneys, defense advocates, and other Staff of the Judiciary.
Promoting Timely Access to Justice
During the engagements, inmates were educated on how plea bargaining facilitates faster access to justice for offenders who admit their offences and show willingness to reform. Justice Khaukha underscored the cultural relevance of the practice by drawing parallels with Acholi restorative justice mechanisms such as _Mato Oput_ and _Gomo Otom_. These traditional systems emphasize reconciliation through dialogue and symbolic rituals.
Through interactive moot sessions and Q&A discussions, inmates expressed concerns about delayed hearings, remand period deductions, and perceived court rejections of plea agreements. These were comprehensively addressed by facilitators from the ADR Registry, JTI, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and defense counsel, who clarified procedures from initiation to judicial approval.
Uptake and Impact
Justice Khaukha encouraged inmates to voluntarily enrol in the programme, stressing its importance in reducing case backlog and strengthening rehabilitation. So far,227 inmates have enrolled from Lira Main Prison, and 215 from Gulu and Kitgum High Court Circuits. Of these, more than 100 inmates have already successfully negotiated their sentences, pending judicial confirmation, in cases ranging from Aggravated Robbery, Defilement, and Trafficking in Persons, to Murder and Rape.
Facilitation and Moderation
The exercise was facilitated by a team including HW Lillian Bucyana (Deputy Registrar, JTI), HW Suzanne Aisia Musooli (Deputy Registrar, Kitgum High Court), HW Nasambu Esther(Chief Magistrate, JTI), HW Bwambale Daniel (Principal Magistrate Grade I, ADR Registry). They were joined by HW Joel Wegoye, HW Mallen Obizu, HW Josephine Nakato, and HW Murungi Esther Bigabwa (JTI) from JTI. The ODPP was represented by Ms. Nakigudde Margaret (Plea Bargain Focal Person) and Ms. Nandawula Lillian, while lawyer Susan Wakabala served as defence counsel. The sessions were moderated by HW Zulaika Nanteza, Acting Registrar in charge of the ADR Registry.
Next Steps
The sensitization will culminate in dedicated plea bargaining camps at Gulu Prison on Monday, October13, and at Lira Prison on Wednesday, October 15. These will be presided over by the Acting Principal Judge, Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga.
This initiative continues to advance access to justice while promoting restorative justice practices within Uganda's criminal justice system.
Posted 13th, October 2025
