Kitalya-The transformative Plea Bargaining Camp launched by the Principal Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, at Kitalya Mini Max Prison on 28th November 2025, was a powerful showcase of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (ODPP) leadership and prosecutorial excellence.
Organised by the Judiciary’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Registry under the stewardship of Hon. Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, the camp brought together over 200 inmates drawn from Mityana, Mubende, and the Criminal Division of the High Court, all seeking timely, fair, and efficient resolution of their cases.
In her keynote address, Justice Abodo emphasised the profound role of plea bargaining in expanding access to justice and reducing the burden of prolonged pre-trial detention. She called on all justice actors, especially prosecutors, to uphold the highest standards of diligence and accuracy, ensuring that every guilty plea is voluntary, informed, and supported by a balanced and well-reasoned sentencing recommendation.
Under the leadership of Ms. Margaret Nakigudde, the Focal Person of Plea Bargaining in the ODPP, and Mr. Baxter Bakibinga, the Regional Officer of Mubende, prosecutors were able to secure all police files in advance, consult victims, and negotiate based on full and accurate information. This established prosecutorial standard, ensured that each negotiation was anchored in complete facts and credible evidence.
The prosecutorial team, comprising Mr. Hamuza Muzige (Chief State Attorney, Mubende), Mr. Bengo Wasswa (Resident State Attorney, Mityana), Mr. Nabimanya Julius (State Attorney), Ms. Lillian Nandawula (Senior State Attorney), and State Brief Counsel Ms. Susan Wakabala, Ms. Shamim Namyalo, and Ms. Evas Akankwasa, steered the entire exercise with precision, fairness, and deep professional integrity.
They meticulously analysed each police file, assessed suitability for plea bargaining, guided informed negotiations, and made well-balanced sentencing submissions that upheld both victims’ interests and offenders’ rights.
The Kitalya Plea Bargain Camp was equally anchored in the tremendous support and coordination from the Uganda Prisons Service. The Kitalya team, under the leadership of Superintendent of Prisons Hassan Walanganira and Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Ben Talemwa, played a crucial organisational role.
