By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The 7th Annual National Plea Bargain Conference, held at the Supreme Court building on Friday, 21st June, 2024 has recognized five key personalities behind the success of the program in Uganda.
The 7th Annual National Plea Bargain Conference was organized by the Judiciary of Uganda in collaboration with Pepperdine University.
The acknowledgement of the key architects of the program in Uganda was highlighted by Prof. Danny De Walt, Vice President and Chief of Staff at Pepperdine University who detailed the historical growth of plea bargaining in Uganda.
Prof. Danny De Walt singled out Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, Justice Mike Chibita, and Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo for their outstanding contributions to the program during their respective tenures as Directors of Public Prosecutions.
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo and Chief Justice Emeritus, Bart Katureebe received special recognition for their significant efforts in expanding the plea bargain program across the country’s trial courts.
The event showcased the evolving landscape of plea bargaining in Uganda.
In his opening remarks, Principal Judge Hon. Dr. Flavian Zeija celebrated the substantial progress made since the operationalization of plea bargaining in Uganda.
The event also honored numerous judicial officers, prosecutors, prison officers, and administrative staff for their dedication and service.
A highlight of the conference was the Plea Bargain Quiz session, led by H.E. Prof. Jim Gash, President and Chief Executive of Pepperdine University.
Using the Judicature (Plea Bargain) Rules, 2016. Prof. Gash engaged participants in an interactive session to test their knowledge and awareness of plea bargaining practices.
This was followed by a critical and instructive plenary session where various issues related to effective plea bargaining were discussed.
The conference featured practical scenarios facilitated by esteemed legal professionals, including Court of Appeal Justice Eva Luswata, High Court Justice Henrietta Wolayo, and the Director of Public Prosecutions the Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo. They provided valuable insights into the plea bargaining process and addressed the practical challenges faced.
In particular, the DPP highlighted key best practices in plea bargaining, emphasizing the importance of involving victims in the process. She stressed that plea bargains should be based on the evidence presented in police files rather than committal papers.
The DPP also shared concerns raised by inmates, noting complaints that the Judiciary appears to prioritize those who admit to crimes over those who maintain their innocence and wish to stand trial.
Hon. Lady Justice Henrietta Wolayo offered insights on plea bargaining within Uganda’s High Court. These sessions were highly interactive and participatory, providing useful information to enhance the administration of criminal justice through plea bargaining, given the unpredictability of full trials.
The conference was further enriched by a keynote address from Prof. Sing Sukhsimranjit of the Straus Institute, Caruso School of Law, who spoke on cross-cultural perspectives and dimensions of negotiations.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to various Justices, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Judges, Prosecutors, and other participants, marking the end of a successful and enlightening conference.
