(L-R): Hon. Justice Dr. Zeija(Principal Judge), Hon. Justice Buteera(Deputy Chief Justice), Ms. Kasande(Under Secretary, Judiciary), Prof. Danny Dewalt (Vice President and Chief of Staff at Pepperdine University)
The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Richard Buteera, has this evening closed the 7th Annual National Plea-Bargaining Conference at the Supreme Court Conference Hall, Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala.
The Deputy Chief Justice extended thanks to Pepperdine University, its students currently doing their internship with the Supreme Court, and Prof Andrew Khaukha (Judiciary Technical Advisor), for their support, noting that the Conference was part of a broader series of training programs.
He also expressed gratitude to Pepperdine University for training court-accredited mediators.
Justice Buteera committed to continuous training. "We will continue with more training. Let's maintain the spirit, the will, and the involvement," he said.
He noted that the Judiciary is now focusing on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms not only in plea bargaining but also in other aspects of dispute resolution.
The DCJ also highlighted the usefulness of pilot Mediation programs being initiated by the Judiciary, noting that they help identify what works and what doesn’t, to find ways to improve Mediation efforts with passion and collective involvement.
In his keynote address on cross-cultural perspectives and dimensions of negotiations, Prof. Sukh Singh(Professor of Law and Practice at the Straus Institute, Caruso School of Law),highlighted that effective negotiation involves understanding cultural differences, being flexible, and combining respect, patience, and empathy.
He underscored that successful negotiations require both a strategic mind and a compassionate heart, advocating for a balanced approach of kindness, patience and respect in resolving conflicts.
Delivering a presentation on the prosecution's perspective on plea bargaining, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo (Director of Public Prosecutions), urged prosecutors to consider the aspect of customs when handling cases. "We should be able to balance custom and the law," she stated.
Justice Abodo said as prosecution side, there are some cases that are not negotiated because of the gruesome nature of the crimes committed yet the victims cannot speak for themselves.
She urged defense lawyers to always advise accused persons properly, adding that they (defense lawyers)sometimes fail to explain the Plea-Bargaining process to accused persons adequately, leading to uninformed decisions.
To the Judicial Officers, Justice Abodo advised them to follow proper Plea-Bargaining procedures, emphasizing the importance of having both a plea agreement and a complete court record.
The event featured presentations from different presenters, including Prof. Danny Dewalt (Vice President and Chief of Staff at Pepperdine University), Prof. Jim Gash(President and Chief Executive of Pepperdine University), Lady Justice Eva Luswata (Justice Court of Appeal), and Lady Justice Henrietta Wolayo (Resident Judge of Luwero High Court), among others
It concluded with the award of certificates of participation to participants.
The Judiciary Public Relations Officer, HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda moderated the ceremony.
Posted 21st, June 2024
