A two-day Plea-Bargaining Camp has today opened at Kitalya Mini-Max Prison, with at least 163 inmates expressing interest in having their cases expeditiously disposed of through the plea-bargaining process.
The camp has been organised by the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Registry under the leadership of Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga, the Focal Judge in charge of Plea Bargaining, and Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, the Focal Judge in charge of ADR.
The exercise is being coordinated by the Registrar in charge of ADR, HW Justine Atukwasa, assisted by HW Geodfrey Kaweesa, Deputy Registrar; HW Daniel Lubowa, Assistant Registrar; and HW Daniel Bwambale, Senior Principal Magistrate, all attached to the ADR Registry.
The initiative targets accused persons who are willing to voluntarily admit responsibility for the offences charged, in exchange for a lenient sentence or lesser charge.
The Camp is handling matters from Mubende High Court Circuit, which has presented 138 case files involving 148 inmates; Mukono High Court Circuit with seven case files involving seven inmates; and Hoima High Court Circuit with three case files involving three inmates.
As part of the exercise, HW Kaweesa and HW Lubowa conducted a sensitisation session for the inmates, during which they explained how plea bargaining enhances timely access to justice for offenders who acknowledge wrongdoing and express remorse. They encouraged the inmates to voluntarily enrol for the process.
Four Judges are participating in the two-day camp. They are Justice David Matovu, Head of the Criminal Division; Justice Tadeo Asiimwe, Resident Judge of Mubende High Court Circuit; Lady Justice Jane Okuo and Justice Prof. Khaukha.
The Officer in Charge of Kitalya Mini-Max Prison, Mr Hassan Walangalira, welcomed the Camp and expressed Uganda Prisons Service’s appreciation to the Judiciary for interventions aimed at reducing prison congestion and prolonged remand. He pledged full cooperation to ensure the success of the exercise.
The Camp is also attended by representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, led by Ms Margaret Nakigudde, advocates, prison officers, and other justice sector actors.
Posted 11th, June 2026
