The Mbarara High Court has conducted a plea bargaining sensitisation session at Mbarara Main Prison in preparation for an upcoming Plea Bargaining Camp aimed at reducing case backlog and expediting the disposal of criminal matters.
The session brought together inmates from Mbarara Main Prison, Mbarara Women Prison, and Kakiika Prison, with more than 130 inmates already enrolled to participate in the plea bargaining process.
Addressing the inmates, the Head of the Mbarara High Court Circuit, Justice Allan Nshimye, underscored the Judiciary’s commitment to improving access to justice and tackling case backlog through targeted criminal sessions and Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, including plea bargaining. He noted the role of the process in promoting timely case resolution, reducing remand overstay, and easing prison congestion.
Justice Nshimye also responded to concerns raised by inmates, outlining the legal rights and safeguards available under plea bargaining and encouraging those who admit responsibility for the offences charged against them to consider the process as a pathway to faster resolution of their cases.
The Deputy Registrar of the Mbarara High Court, Grace Atwongyeire, reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to reducing backlog through initiatives such as plea bargaining and highlighted the benefits of the process. She commended the Uganda Prisons Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Mbarara, and Advocates on State Brief for their continued collaboration.
“The previous plea bargaining camp held in December 2025 registered significant success, with 169 plea bargaining agreements confirmed,” she said, expressing optimism that the forthcoming camp would build on that achievement.
The Officer in Charge of Mbarara Main Prison welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to address prison congestion and prolonged remand periods.
He revealed that the facility currently holds 2,193 inmates against an official capacity of 336, underscoring the urgent need for interventions such as plea bargaining, and pledged full support for the upcoming camp. He also appealed to the Judiciary to consider extending the programme to petty offenders who may wish to benefit.
The sensitisation session was moderated by Deputy Registrar Atwongyeire and forms part of broader efforts by the Judiciary to enhance efficiency and access to justice within the criminal justice system.