In a pioneering move, the Kitgum High Court conducted a high-impact sensitization outreach at Kitgum Government Prisons, yielding immediate results.
Led by Deputy Registrar Suzanne Aisia Musooli, the team met with 403 inmates, including 126 awaiting trial at the High Court.
“We're adopting a proactive approach, conducting daily hearings to clear cases and reduce congestion,” Musooli said. “Priority consideration is accorded to juveniles, elderly persons, and critically ill inmates.”
The outreach focused on Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, particularly plea bargaining. Magistrate Okello explained, “It's a voluntary agreement where an accused person who admits guilt may receive a reduced sentence or lesser charge. Plea Bargaining offers certainty.”
The response was overwhelming: 70 inmates registered for the program, seeking to resolve their cases. “We're committed to fast-tracking these matters, concluding them before March 2026,” Musooli pledged.
Officer in Charge SP Robert Oguttu lauded the initiative, saying, “This promotes prison decongestion and access to justice. Inmates should rely on official legal guidance, not informal advice.”
The Court plans to extend the sensitization program to Gulu Main Prison, further empowering inmates and clearing the backlog of pending cases.
