The High Court at Kiboga has sensitised inmates at Kiboga Prison on plea bargaining, empowering them with information on their rights and the options available for the timely resolution of eligible criminal cases.
The sensitisation was conducted on Wednesday by HW Hellen Atigo, Assistant Registrar, High Court at Kiboga, and HW Jane Nanvuma, Chief Magistrate, as part of efforts to improve inmates’ understanding of the criminal justice process and promote access to justice.
The Judicial Officers explained the concept and procedure of plea bargaining, including the circumstances under which an accused person may enter into a plea bargain.
They emphasised that participation in plea bargaining should be informed and that accused persons must understand the charges against them, their rights and the implications of entering into an agreement.
“Plea bargaining is an important tool in the administration of justice. It can help in the timely resolution of cases while ensuring that the rights of accused persons are respected throughout the process,” HW Atigo said.
The inmates were further informed that plea bargaining can contribute to reducing case backlog and prison congestion by facilitating the timely conclusion of eligible criminal cases.
For accused persons, the mechanism provides an opportunity for cases to be resolved more expeditiously, while enabling the justice system to make more efficient use of available judicial and correctional resources.
HW Nanvuma urged the inmates to make informed decisions and seek appropriate legal advice before entering into plea bargain agreements.
“Before accepting a plea bargain, it is important that you understand what you are agreeing to, the charge involved and the consequences of your plea,” she advised.
The engagement was interactive, with inmates given an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on plea bargaining and other aspects of the criminal justice process.
The Officer in Charge of Kiboga Prison, together with other prison officers, also participated in the sensitisation.
The outreach forms part of broader efforts by the Judiciary and justice-sector stakeholders to take justice information closer to court users, including persons in custody, and ensure that they understand their rights and the mechanisms available for resolving cases.
Through initiatives such as plea bargaining, the Judiciary continues to promote timely justice delivery, reduction of case backlog and improved access to justice, while safeguarding the rights of accused persons.
Posted 3rd, September 2026
