Principal Judge Warns Judges Against Rushing Plea Bargains to Clear Cases

What the report says

Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, Uganda’s Principal Judge, has cautioned judicial officers against treating plea bargaining as a way to simply reduce backlog numbers. Speaking at a one-day training for judicial officers from Western Region Cluster One at the Judicial Training Institute in Nakawa, Kampala, she said plea bargains should be examined carefully so that accused persons’ rights are protected and negotiated outcomes remain fair and lawful.

Abodo stressed that judges must confirm guilty pleas are entered voluntarily and with full understanding, check that sentencing serves justice, and keep proper court records. She also urged courts to hold sentencing in open court, account for time spent on remand, and consult victims where possible. Her message was that speed in case disposal should not override due process or damage public trust in the Judiciary.

The training focused on plea bargaining rules, practical courtroom challenges and a simulated exercise. JTI Executive Director Justice Professor Andrew Khaukha said the programme was meant to build practical skills, not just legal knowledge, and warned against accepting negotiated sentences without close scrutiny. He pointed to a murder case in Nakasongola where an initially proposed 20-year sentence was reconsidered after review.

The Judiciary’s plea bargaining focal judge, Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, also highlighted the need for caution, especially in complex cases. The session included guidance from prosecutors and defence counsel, and covered issues such as unrepresented accused persons, victim consultation, recusal, and handling plea bargain confirmations.