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Kitgum – In a renewed effort to reduce case backlog and ease congestion in correctional facilities, the Kitgum High Court on Tuesday conducted a high-impact sensitization outreach at Kitgum Government Prisons, registering immediate and measurable results.
The exercise was led by HW Suzanne Aisia Musooli, Deputy Registrar of the Kitgum High Court, accompanied by Senior Resident State Attorney Mr. Ojara Patrick, Magistrate Grade One HW Okello Boniface, and Counsel Sharon Awili from the Uganda Law Society Legal Aid Clinic.
The team was received by the Officer in Charge, SP Robert Oguttu, who reported a total prison population of 403 inmates and seven children. Of these, 126 inmates have been committed to the High Court and are awaiting trial.
Addressing inmates during the session, HW Musooli explained that although formal criminal sessions are subject to funding availability, the Resident Judge, Justice Philip W. Mwaka, has adopted a proactive approach of conducting daily hearings to expedite justice.
She noted that this approach allows eligible inmates to resolve their cases without waiting for designated sessions, particularly through Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms such as Plea Bargaining.
While case listing generally follows the “First In, First Out” principle to clear older matters, she clarified that priority is accorded to juveniles, elderly persons, and critically ill inmates.
Magistrate HW Okello Boniface outlined the practical advantages of Plea Bargaining, describing it as a voluntary agreement in which an accused person who admits guilt may receive a reduced sentence or a lesser charge.
“Plea Bargaining offers certainty,” he said, cautioning that some accused persons only reconsider the option after receiving heavy sentences at trial.
Senior Resident State Attorney Mr. Ojara Patrick emphasized that the process is strictly reserved for those who admit responsibility, adding that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions adheres to established sentencing guidelines.
Counsel Sharon Awili further explained that legal counsel plays a critical advisory role, particularly where evidence is overwhelming, and that a plea agreement may be entered at any stage of proceedings.
The outreach yielded immediate uptake, with 70 inmates — 61 males and 9 females — voluntarily registering for the programme out of the 126 High Court committals. The Deputy Registrar committed to fast-tracking the processing of these matters, targeting their conclusion before the end of March 2026.
SP Robert Oguttu hailed the initiative as instrumental in promoting prison decongestion and enhancing access to justice. He cautioned inmates against relying on informal or misleading advice from fellow prisoners, urging them instead to seek official legal guidance.
Following the general session, the Deputy Registrar held a private engagement with female inmates and pledged a dedicated follow-up visit to address their specific concerns.
The Court also announced plans to extend similar sensitization efforts to inmates at Gulu Main Prison under the jurisdiction of the Kitgum High Court Circuit.
