Participants at the two-Day Plea Bargaining Prison Camp
The Kampala Remand Prison Camp on Monday October 3, 2022 kicked off a Plea Bargaining camp on Thursday where at least 343 cases, mostly petty offences are going to be handled.
The Camp was officially flagged off by the Deputy Registrar Magistrate Affairs and Data Management, HW James Ereemye Mawanda, who represented the Chief Registrar, HW Sarah Langa Siu.
He emphasized not to take the Procedure lightly noting that Plea Bargaining was available to assist those who believe they are guilty of the offence and wish to plead guilty.
Assistant Commissioner Prisons in charge of Prisoners Administration, Mr. Kivumbi Jacob, thanked the Judiciary for this initiative and prayed that more inmates opt for it so as to reduce on congestion in prisons and also receive speedy justice.
To this, HW Ereemye said the Judiciary intends to hold similar camps in other parts of the country.
Mr. Leist Scott, the East Africa Director of Pepperdine University urged inmates to take advantage of the opportunity. "Prosecutors, Defense counsels and the Magistrates are hereto serve you and we hope that you will be satisfied."
He also asked those in attendance to be ambassadors of the initiative to ensure that many benefit from the Camp.
There are eight Judicial Officers and seven participating courts. HW Tusiime Sarah and HW Owomugisha Siena are handling matters under Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court while HW Nambooze Sandra is handling for Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court.
HW Nakyazze Rachael ishandling matters arising out of Mukono. HW Byaruhanga Adams for Natete/Rubaga, HW Adong Susan for Goma, HW Igga Adiru for Makindye and HW Christian Kibuuka for Nabweru. All these courts have law students attached to them from Makerere, Victoria and Uganda Christian Universities; one defense counsel, one State Attorney.
Present was the Assistant Commissioner Social Reintegration, Ministry of Internal Affairs Directorate of Community Service, Ms Katutu Shifa and The Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions and focal person Plea Bargaining, Ms Margaret Nakigudde.
Posted 3rd, October 2022
