Nebbi Court Officials, Justice Actors Sensitize Inmates On Bail, Plea Bargaining, And Community Service
A team of justice actors in Nebbi District led by Magistrate Grade I HW Enid Namuyaga, yesterday conducted a sensitisation session at Nebbi Government Prisons at Koch, aimed at enhancing inmates’ understanding of their legal rights and available justice processes.
The other members of the team were; State Attorney Samuel Acwicha, Community Services Officer, Ms Freda Okuonziru, Court Clerk Ms Deborah Muswa Mungungeyo,and Orderly Tino Miriam.
During the engagement, HW Namuyaga enlightened the inmates on their right to apply for bail, explaining both cash and non-cash bail options. She cautioned inmates to ensure that any cash bail payments are made directly to the bank, and not to individuals, to avoid fraud.
State Attorney Acwicha addressed inmates on the plea of guilty and plea bargaining, outlining key benefits such as reduction of case backlog, promotion of reconciliation, and prevention of re-traumatisation of victims. He further explained that an accused person retains the right to change their plea at any stage of the trial before sentencing.
Community Services Officer Okuonziru sensitised inmates on the use of Community Service as an alternative form of punishment. She explained that it applies in cases where the sentence does not exceed two years or where the fine imposed does not exceed 20 currency points (UGX 1,000,000). She noted that community service enables offenders to give back to society while serving their sentence.
Inconclusion, inmates were encouraged to take advantage of the various justice delivery mechanisms available, including plea bargaining, as a means of promoting timely and efficient resolution of cases.
Posted 16th, April 2026
