Judiciary Intensifies Plea Bargain Hearings to Enhance Access to Justice

Nakawa, Kampala– The Daily Non-Capital Plea Bargain Hearings for the Kampala Metropolitan Area are underway at the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to improving access to justice through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms within Uganda’s criminal justice system.

Some of the key stakeholders in the exercise.
The hearings follow a virtual refresher training conducted by the Judicial Training Institute on May 30, 2026, under the theme, “Justice that Listens, Serves and Resolves.” The training brought together judicial and non-judicial officers from participating courts and sister criminal justice agencies, including magistrates, state attorneys, defence counsel, Criminal Investigations Department officers, Community Service Officers, and personnel from the Uganda Prisons Service.
Speaking during the training, Plea Bargain Focal Judge, Jane Okuo Kajuga, emphasized the need for consistency in the implementation of plea bargaining procedures, strict adherence to the Plea Bargaining Rules, and continuous capacity building among justice sector actors.
Justice Okuo Kajuga noted that several appellate court decisions have raised concerns about inconsistencies in the application of plea bargaining procedures. She stressed that victim participation remains a fundamental aspect of the plea bargaining process and urged prosecutors to ensure victims’ views are adequately considered during negotiations and sentencing recommendations.
She further called for strict compliance with documentation requirements under the Plea Bargaining Rules and encouraged the appropriate use of Community Service Orders where applicable. She urged participants to use the training as an opportunity to address practical and legal challenges encountered during previous plea bargain camps.
The Executive Director of JTI, Andrew Khaukha, welcomed participants and commended Justice Okuo Kajuga for her continued leadership of the plea bargaining programme. He described plea bargaining as a settlement mechanism within the criminal justice system, comparable to settlement initiatives in civil proceedings, and emphasized the importance of consistency and uniformity in handling cases.
Moderating the training, HW Lillian Bucyana, Deputy Registrar in charge of JTI, said the refresher session was designed to prepare stakeholders for the second phase of the Kampala Metropolitan Non-Capital Plea Bargain Hearings following the successful first phase launched by the Principal Judge in April 2026. She noted that the initial phase significantly contributed to the decongestion of Kampala Remand Prison and expressed confidence that the training would further strengthen participants’ skills and improve case disposal rates.
Participants received practical guidance from various facilitators on key aspects of the plea bargaining process. Justice Okuo Kajuga shared insights on navigating common pitfalls in plea bargaining, while HW Justine Atukwasa, Registrar of the ADR Registry, guided participants on preparations for plea bargain camps, including readiness assessments and stakeholder expectations.
HW Esther Rebecca Nasambu, Chief Magistrate at JTI, provided an overview of the Plea Bargaining Rules. Ms Susan Wakabala, an advocate and member of the Plea Bargain Caravan, facilitated discussions on the role of defence counsel. Ms Margaret Nakigudde, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, and Ms Lillian Nandawula, Senior State Attorney, led sessions on the role of the prosecution in plea bargaining. Participants were also trained on real-time data entry and monitoring for effective case management by Mr Joseph Ssinabulya, Principal Information Management Officer.
Earlier today, during a briefing session ahead of the hearings, HW Daniel Bwambale, Senior Principal Magistrate (ADR), updated participants on preparedness and logistical arrangements for the ongoing exercise.
Keywords: Plea Bargaining, Judiciary, Judicial Training Institute, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Kampala Metropolitan Area, Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, Access to Justice, Criminal Justice System, Victim Participation, Community Service Orders, Kampala Remand Prison, Andrew Khaukha, Uganda Prisons Service, State Attorneys, Defence Counsel, Case Disposal, ADR Registry, Judicial Officers, Legal Reform, Uganda Judiciary.