JUDICIARY Latest Features

Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo (standing middle on the podium) at the launch of the Plea Bargaining Prison Camp in Gulu

The Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, has officially launched a three-day Plea Bargaining Prison Camp and the Public Defender Program at Gulu Main Government Prison. The event, held under the theme of promoting timely access to justice, enrolled over 200 inmates, with more expected to participate in the coming days.

The Chief Justice was received by a delegation of Judicial Officers led by the Ag. Principal Judge Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo. Gulu Resident Judges; Justice Phillip Odoki and Lady Justice Lillian Alum Omara as well as Justice Andrew Khaukha, Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI). Registrar High Court HW Prossy Katushabe, HW Obong George, Deputy Registrar Gulu High Court, and a team from Pepperdine University, USA, led by Vice President Prof. Danny DeWalt.

The event commenced with a mass led by Archbishop Raphael Wokorach of the Gulu Archdiocese. In his homily, the Archbishop encouraged inmates to take personal responsibility and seek forgiveness through the plea bargaining process but cautioned those who are innocent against participating, emphasizing that plea bargaining is a path reserved for those who have committed offenses.

The Chief Justice emphasized that plea bargaining is deeply rooted in Uganda's traditional justice system, which has historically emphasized reconciliation and community harmony. He described it as a mechanism that not only acknowledges guilt but also facilitates justice and rehabilitation. He shared how local communities traditionally resolved disputes, a parallel to the principles of plea bargaining. He urged inmates to embrace the process, noting that it is an opportunity to take responsibility and begin the journey of reformation.

SASP Ronald Mutebi, Officer-in-Charge of Gulu Main Prison, reported that the facility currently houses over 1,000 inmates, most of whom are on remand. He called for additional criminal sessions to address the issue of congestion and expedite justice.

Justice Phillip Odoki, Head Gulu High Court Circuit, welcomed inmates to the camp and underscored the importance of the process in reducing case backlog. He encouraged inmates to participate earnestly, highlighting the positive impact of plea bargaining on court efficiency.

Pepperdine University's Prof Danny DeWalt applauded the Judiciary's leadership in advancing access to justice and introduced Mr. Richard Ocheng as the Head of the Public Defender Program in Uganda. The program aims to enhance access to legal representation and strengthen justice for all.

The DPP reiterated that plea bargaining is intended only for those who admit guilt. She urged victims of crime to participate actively in the process, emphasizing that their involvement fosters healing and reintegration of offenders into communities. She directed prosecutors to handle case files with fairness and, where there is insufficient evidence, to forward such cases to her Office for a nolle prosequi.

The DPP noted that in some cases, victims had agreed to plea bargains, but due to lack of evidence, the accused were released. She called on prosecutors to explain such outcomes clearly to both victims and accused persons to support understanding and healing. She also confirmed that investigations into cases under the General Court Martial were underway.

Ag. Principal Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, commended the Judiciary's use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms like plea bargaining to promote efficient and cost-effective justice delivery. She thanked the Chief Justice for championing ADR and stressed the importance of continuous stakeholder training to ensure successful implementation.

Also in attendance were Deputy DPP John Baptist Asiimwe, Head of the Plea Bargaining Program Ms. Margaret Nakigudde, Regional Assistant DPP Gulu Ms. Catherine Namakoye, police officials, prison authorities, advocates, and members of the public.

The event was moderated by HW Zulaika Nanteza, Ag. Registrar Alternative Dispute Resolution.