GULU – March 4, 2026: The Acting Assistant Registrar of Patongo High Court, HW Ajok Betty, on Monday led a Plea Bargaining sensitisation session at Gulu Main Prison, engaging inmates from the districts of Abim, Otuke, Agago and Pader.
The outreach aimed to equip inmates with knowledge about Plea Bargaining as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism within Uganda’s criminal justice system. The approach is designed to fast-track case resolution, reduce case backlog, decongest correctional facilities and enhance the efficient administration of justice.
During the session, HW Ajok interacted with more than 300 inmates, providing detailed guidance on the legal framework governing plea bargaining, eligibility requirements, procedural steps and the legal implications of opting for the process. She emphasised that the mechanism is voluntary and must be entered into with full understanding of its consequences.
Strong Inmate Interest
The sensitisation exercise generated notable interest among the inmates. Court officials confirmed that more than 150 inmates formally registered to participate in the upcoming Plea Bargaining session.
The unfunded session is scheduled to begin on March 16 before Justice Okello George, the Resident Judge at Patongo High Court.
Judiciary officials say such outreach initiatives are critical in promoting access to justice, improving awareness of legal rights and strengthening confidence in alternative case resolution mechanisms within the criminal justice system.
