The Focal Judge in charge of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, this morning flagged off a two-day Plea Bargaining Camp at Kampala Remand Prison, Luzira.
The camp has attracted inmates from both Kampala Remand and Murchison Bay prisons, referred from several lower courts including Buganda Road, Mengo, LDC, Goma, Luzira, Nakawa, Kiira, Kawempe, Makindye, City Hall, and Nabweru Chief Magistrates' Courts. A total of300 inmates have already enrolled, and the number is expected to rise as sensitization continues throughout the camp.
In his remarks, Justice Khaukha encouraged inmates who acknowledge their offences to take advantage of the programme, emphasizing that plea bargaining is a key tool for enhancing access to justice. He explained that the process allows those who accept responsibility for their actions to conclude their cases more quickly, avoiding lengthy periods on remand.
Justice Khaukha praised the inmates who voluntarily registered for the camp and urged them to embrace the opportunity for fair and timely resolution of their cases. He further reiterated the Judiciary's commitment to ADR, noting that the goal is to increase uptake of ADR as the best mode of dispute resolution, while also resonating with Uganda's historical justice mechanisms.
Representing the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Agnes Alum, Registrar of Magistrates' Affairs and Data Management, urged judicial officers, prosecutors, and defense lawyers to conduct the exercise in strict adherence to the Plea Bargaining Rules. She emphasized the need to balance justice for both the prosecution and defense, and commended the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), under the leadership of its Executive Director, for spearheading ADR mechanisms that reduce case backlog, decongest prisons, and promote timely justice.
Ms. Margaret Nakigudde, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions and ODPP focal person for plea bargaining, highlighted the initiative's role in expediting case disposal, promoting reconciliation between accused persons and victims, and easing prison congestion.
Superintendent of Prisons Nabaasa Ernest, Officer in Charge of Kampala Remand, welcomed the justice sector actors to the Camp and appealed to judicial officers to issue commitment warrants promptly after case conclusion, to enable effective enforcement of court decisions.
Delivering a spiritual message, Bishop Joshua Lwere of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda applauded the Judiciary for taking services closer to the people. Quoting Matthew 5:25 on the need to settle disputes quickly, he urged inmates to seize the opportunity to reconcile and reform. He concluded with a prayer for their transformation into better citizens after serving their sentences.
The event was attended by HW Lillian Bucyana, Ag. Registrar JTI; Commissioner for Community Service; Magistrates Grade I; HW Esther Murungi Bigaba, HW Josephine Nakato; HW Mallen Obizu; among other Magistrates from participating courts; state attorneys; defense lawyers; and administrative staff.
The programme was moderated by HW Zulaika Nanteza, Deputy Registrar in charge of the ADR Registry.
Posted 1st, October 2025
