LIRA– the City of Lira stands as a testament to justice in motion as a Plea Bargain Camp officially opened, marking yet another milestone in Uganda’s ongoing journey towards a more humane, efficient, and restorative criminal justice system.
Assistant DPP Margaret Nakigudde, Head of the General Casework Department and Plea Bargain Unit at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), shared deeply impactful insights on the philosophy behind plea bargaining:
“We engage only those who accept
responsibility for their actions. Every plea agreement is informed by dialogue with the victims, ensuring fairness, balance, and accountability. The sentence offered is never rigid; each case is assessed on its unique facts and circumstances.”
Delivering her remarks, Hon. Lady Justice Apiny Margaret, Senior Resident Judge of the Lira High Court Circuit, called upon the prisoners to seize the transformative opportunity:
“Plea bargaining gives you a chance to reduce your sentence, reflect, and embrace rehabilitation. Engage the facilitators and stakeholders present today, make informed decisions about your case and your future.”
In his inspiring address, Hon. Justice Prof. Khaukha Andrew, Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), acting for the Acting Principal Judge, Her Lordship Jane Okuo Kajuga, applauded the collaborative energy driving this reform:
“I commend Ms. Nakigudde for her tireless commitment to embedding plea bargaining within the ODPP and the broader justice system. Such initiatives demonstrate the power of coordination among the Judiciary, the Registry of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and all justice actors working in unity.”
The Lira Plea Bargain Camp 2025 exemplifies the spirit of justice that heals, where prosecutors, judges, prisoners, and communities converge to promote rehabilitation over retribution, dialogue over delay, and dignity over despair.
Together, we continue to build a justice system that is faster, fairer, and deeply human.
