The Judicial officers Mayuge Court conducts Plea bargain outreach at imanyiro prison
During the visit, the judicial officers inspected prison conditions and listened to concerns raised by inmates regarding bail, prolonged remand, court procedures, appeals and payment of fines.
Judicial officers from Mayuge Chief Magistrate’s Court have conducted a plea bargain and prison inspection visit to Imanyiro Government Prison as part of efforts to promote access to justice and speed up the disposal of criminal cases.
The team, led by Chief Magistrate Her Worship John Paul Osauro, engaged inmates and prison officers on justice sector initiatives including plea bargaining, community service and mediation, which are aimed at reducing case backlog and easing prison congestion.
During the visit, the judicial officers inspected prison conditions and listened to concerns raised by inmates regarding bail, prolonged remand, court procedures, appeals and payment of fines.
The officers provided guidance on legal processes and encouraged inmates to use available justice mechanisms while exercising their legal rights.
The engagement with prison officials also highlighted challenges affecting justice delivery, including shortage of State Attorneys, inadequate prison facilities and limited transport for inmates attending court.
Chief Magistrate Osauro encouraged eligible inmates to consider plea bargaining and community service programmes, reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to reducing delays in criminal cases and strengthening collaboration with the Uganda Prisons Service.
The outreach was attended by judicial officers, State Attorneys, Community Service officials and other justice sector stakeholders, with plans to extend similar visits to other prisons under the court’ jurisdiction.
