Principal Judge Dr. Flavian Zeija launches a plea bargain session in Pallisa Government Prison.

By  Jacquelyn Okui

Today 1st March 2021, the Honorable the Principal Judge, Dr. Flavian Zeija has launched a plea bargain session in Pallisa Government Prison.

In attendance was the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)-Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the Senior Resident Judge Mbale-Justice Godfrey Namundi, the Head of Plea Bargaining in the Judiciary-Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, the Chief Registrar-Her Worship Sarah Langa Siu, the Director Correctional Services, Uganda Prison Service- Akena Samuel, the Regional Officer Mbale, Assistant DPP Ojok Alex Michael among others.

The ‘gospel’ of plea bargaining was preached during the launch. The DPP stressed that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) takes plea bargaining very seriously, evidenced by the creation of the Plea Bargaining Unit within the Department of General Case Work and the assignment of officers thereunder.

She informed the inmates that plea bargaining provided an opportunity for those who committed offences to receive quick justice, noting that limited human resource and funds were affecting holding of full trials.

However, she cautioned the inmates about making unreasonable offers as the exercise was not meant for handshakes.

The DPP assured the inmates that even those who had not yet been committed to the High Court for trial could benefit from the exercise as they could be committed there and then.

In addition, she emphasized that petty offenders too could take part in the exercise. The Honorable the Principal Judge explained to the inmates that plea bargaining availed them the opportunity of negotiating their sentences unlike full trials. However, he also advised them to make reasonable offers.

He further informed them that plea bargaining would afford them early sentences availing them opportunities to enroll in prison programs such as school.