Kabale Resident Judge, Justice Ssemogerere Karoli Lwanga, together with key justice sector actors, has conducted a working visit to Kigo Prison as part of ongoing efforts to improve access to justice and promote plea bargaining as a tool for resolving criminal cases.
Justice Ssemogerere, who is currently presiding over a criminal session in Kajjansi, said the visit was aimed at identifying vulnerable inmates and special interest groups who may be prioritised during the session, in a bid to enhance efficiency in case handling.
The delegation included Assistant Registrar of the Entebbe High Court, Her Worship Rashida Butanula, Resident State Attorney Charlotte Kwikiriza, state brief advocates, and their respective teams. They were received by the Officer in Charge of Kigo Prison, Justine Eilu.
Addressing inmates, the Judge engaged both those whose cases had already been cause-listed and others who had expressed interest in plea bargaining. He revealed that Kigo Prison currently houses 2,112 inmates, including two debtors in the men’s section.
Of these, about 40 cases have been cause-listed, along with seven from the women’s wing. He also noted that 20 inmates had formally expressed interest in entering plea bargain agreements.
Justice Ssemogerere underscored the Judiciary’s commitment to reducing case backlog and ensuring timely justice delivery, noting that justice teams are increasingly “shifting levers” by engaging directly with inmates in different locations to address delays in the system.
He urged inmates considering plea bargaining to take the process seriously and make informed decisions, stressing that it is a binding legal agreement involving multiple stakeholders.
He explained that such agreements require careful consideration of the offence, the facts of each case, and the corresponding sentence, emphasizing fairness and accountability throughout the process.
The Judge further highlighted that plea bargaining remains a key mechanism in expediting justice, reducing congestion in the justice system, and offering inmates an opportunity to resolve their cases more efficiently.
At the women’s wing, the delegation was received by Principal Officer II Akampurira, where seven inmates with pending criminal trials were addressed.
Justice Ssemogerere encouraged them to remain hopeful, assuring them that their cases would be heard and justice delivered in due course.
