Principal Judge Flags Off Plea Bargaining Camp at Arua Main Prison
The Principal Judge, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, has March 19, 2025 officially flagged off a three-day Plea Bargaining Prison Camp at Arua Main Prison, with 93 inmates enrolled and more expected to join.
The Camp, as per the cause list signed by Assistant Registrar HW Rania Naluyima, aims to expedite justice and reduce prison congestion.
Handling the cases are Lady Justice Harriet Grace Magala of Arua High Court and Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, the Judiciary's Focal Judge for Plea Bargaining. Majority of cases bargained are in respect of Rape and Aggravated Defilement.
Justice Dr. Zeija commended prison staff for ensuring inmate safety and emphasized that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is deeply rooted in Uganda's traditional justice system. He urged inmates to negotiate reasonable sentences to facilitate their reintegration into society.
Lady Justice Kajuga encouraged inmates to embrace the programme for timely justice, while Lady Justice Magala expressed gratitude to the Judiciary’s leadership and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of Judicial Officers, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and other stakeholders.
HW Naluyima noted that this is the second plea bargaining camp this year and assured that inmates had been fully sensitized on its benefits.
SP Muhangi Herbert reported that Arua Main Prison houses 1,205 inmates and is managed by 109staff. He appreciated the Judiciary’s efforts in reducing prison congestion and called for more engagements, including combining plea bargaining with full trial sessions.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the ODPP led by Ms. Margaret Nakigudde, judicial officers, defense lawyers, and prison authorities.
The Camp aims at accelerating case resolution within the Arua High Court circuit. The session was moderated by HW Zulaika Nanteza, Deputy Registrar of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Posted 19th, March 2025
