Lira, Uganda | The Judiciary of Uganda is planning a major initiative to promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Plea Bargaining, involving religious and cultural leaders to help resolve disputes, reduce court backlog, and ease prison congestion.
The programme came out at Lira Main Prison on Wednesday during an ADR and Plea Bargaining session, which followed a similar session held in Gulu City on Tuesday.
It aims to educate inmates on plea bargaining, a process that allows victims and accused persons to negotiate sentences before cases reach the courts.
Acting Registrar of ADR, Nanteza Zulaika, said the initiative was introduced because most disputes in Uganda, over 90%, are resolved outside formal courts, while only 10% reach judicial proceedings.
She explained that ADR provides a faster, cheaper, and more participatory justice mechanism, noting that 80% of inmates who participated in previous sessions successfully reached agreements.
The programme also seeks to reduce congestion in prisons by redirecting convicted inmates to prison farms.
The three-day Plea Bargaining Camp draws inmates from across the Lango subregion, including Lira, Oyam, Kole, Apac, Alebtong, Amolatar, and Dokolo.
A total of 231 inmates are enrolled, with over 60 plea agreements already signed.
The high turnout was credited to sensitisation efforts led by Deputy Registrar Godfrey Kaweesa in partnership with the Judicial Training Institute (JTI).
Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, the Judiciary’s Focal Judge for ADR, officiated the launch on behalf of Acting Principal Judge Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga.
He emphasized the Judiciary’s commitment to making justice accessible, announcing plans to introduce an Alternative Justice System to bridge formal and informal mechanisms.
Lady Justice Margaret Apiny, Head of Lira High Court Circuit, urged inmates to actively participate in plea bargaining, highlighting that negotiated agreements could lead to earlier release and facilitate rehabilitation.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Margaret Nakigudde, explained that the initiative fosters reconciliation between offenders and victims, expedites case disposal, and alleviates prison congestion.
Prisons Officer Emmanuel Busajja welcomed the Judiciary’s efforts, stressing that the programme would improve timely delivery of justice while reducing overcrowding in detention facilities.
Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok of Lira Diocese delivered a spiritual message describing the initiative as a sign of peace.
He called on inmates to accept responsibility for their actions, seek forgiveness, and embrace rehabilitation.
He urged judges to exercise fairness and compassion, reminding attendees that God’s kindness is meant to lead people to repentance.
Following the launch, Justice Khaukha, Lady Justice Apiny, and Lady Justice Sarah Birungi Kalibala commenced court sessions, with the camp expected to conclude with over 100 convictions.
Officials believe this will significantly reduce the proportion of remand prisoners, improve court efficiency, and promote reconciliation.
The programme was attended by senior judiciary officials, including HW Prossy Katushabe, Registrar of the High Court; HW Esther Nasambu, Judicial Training Institute; and Chief Magistrates from the region.