Adjumani Prison Inmates Embrace Plea Bargaining
Judiciary Communications and Public Relations staff at the Plea Bargaining session in Moyo
Following a Court Open Day at Moyo Chief Magistrates Court on Monday (March 14, 2022), the team from the Judiciary Communications and Public Relations Registry, proceeded to Adjumani and Obongi districts for public outreach campaigns.
The team together with the Moyo Chief Magistrate, HW Ronald Kayizzi went to Adjumani Main Prison to sensitize inmates on Plea Bargaining and other initiatives put in place by the Judiciary to improve the administration of justice.
They were received by the Adjumani District Prisons Commander, ASP Nzunzu James together with the Officer in Charge of the Prison, Mr Ahimbisibwe Ronald. They went on to interact with the 651 inmates in Adjumani preaching the gospel of Plea Bargaining, Bail, the procedure of its refund among other court processes.
ASP Nzunzu emphasized the need to Plea Bargain, especially for inmates who were certain of the commission of the offenses they are accused of. "Don't make prisons your homes. Avoid being lured by the bush lawyers within prisons premises to make wrong decisions because at the end of the day, you will remain in the prison alone," he said.
Many accused persons on remand expressed interest in Plea Bargain as a result of the interaction.
Mobile Court at Openzinzi Village
From the prison, the sensitization proceeded to Openzinzi Village, where HW Kayizzi was set to holda mobile court session. As a result of the sensitization on the fast access to justice initiatives in place including Plea Bargaining, Small Claims Procedure, and Mediation, all the seven matters that had been cause-listed for the day were concluded as a result of Plea Bargaining.
The Chief Magistrate appreciated the Registry's efforts towards preaching the plea bargain gospel in prisons and the communities. He called for more of such engagements saying that they're not only informative but also contribute to the efficiency in the administration of justice.
The Resident State Attorney Adjumani. Mr Menya Swaliki commended the Courts for extending justice services to the vulnerable who need them.
Posted 18th, March 2022
