Kitgum High Court Clears 70 Cases in Five-Day Plea Bargaining Camp

In a sustained effort to address the backlog of criminal cases and ease congestion in correctional facilities, the Kitgum High Court has successfully concluded a five-day Plea Bargaining Camp held at Kitgum Government Prisons.

The initiative, led by the Resident Judge, Justice Philip W. Mwaka, built upon an initial two-day engagement conducted on March 24 and 25, 2026, followed by an additional three-day sitting that concluded all pending matters. In total, 70 inmates had their cases finalized through plea bargaining during the exercise.

Justice Mwaka reaffirmed the Court’s commitment to institutionalizing monthly plea bargaining camps, describing them as a key mechanism for reducing criminal case backlog, improving judicial efficiency, and decongesting prison facilities.

Delivering the Resident Judge’s message, the Deputy Registrar, Suzanne Aisia Musooli, emphasized that the Court remains open to all accused persons who voluntarily opt for plea bargaining.

“Plea bargaining promotes efficiency in the justice system while also supporting offender rehabilitation and ensuring timely access to justice,” she said.

The exercise brought together a coordinated team of justice actors, including the prosecution led by Catherine Namakoye, Head of the Northern Region Directorate of Public Prosecutions, alongside Patrick Ojara, Senior Resident State Attorney, and Yusuf Ssozi, State Attorney.

The defence team comprised counsel Sharon Awili, Gloria Akot, and Claire Lakar, who ensured that proceedings were conducted efficiently and in full compliance with legal standards.

As part of the programme, Suzanne Aisia Musooli also visited the female section of the prison, where she distributed welfare items, including support for inmates living with their children.

She encouraged convicted persons to accept their sentences and use their time in custody to acquire vocational skills or pursue education. She further urged eligible remandees to consider plea bargaining as a means of achieving timely and certain justice.

The Officer in Charge of Kitgum Government Prisons, Robert Oguttu, commended the Judiciary for its proactive interventions, noting that sustained plea bargaining initiatives are critical in addressing prison overcrowding and improving inmate welfare.

The Court reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to reducing case backlog through daily hearings of criminal matters and continued plea bargaining sessions, while awaiting additional funding to fully support expanded criminal court sittings.