The Dokolo Court sensitises prisoners on plea bargaining and community service 

The Dokolo, Uganda – Dokolo Chief Magistrate’s Court has conducted a legal sensitisation outreach at Koroto Prison to equip inmates with knowledge about plea bargaining, community service, and other justice sector initiatives aimed at improving access to justice and reducing delays in criminal case handling.

The outreach, led by Resident Magistrate Vincent Muzeyi, forms part of the Judiciary’s efforts to promote legal awareness among inmates, reduce case backlog, decongest prisons, and advance people-centred justice.

Muzeyi was received by the Officer in Charge of Koroto Prison, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP) Sunday Atayo, who welcomed the initiative and pledged continued cooperation between the Uganda Prisons Service and the Judiciary in ensuring timely disposal of cases, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders.

The magistrate commended prison authorities for their support in the administration of justice, particularly their role in ensuring inmates appear in court whenever required. He urged prison officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, and accountability, warning that corruption damages public trust in the justice system.

Muzeyi assured inmates that Judiciary services are provided free of charge and encouraged them to seek justice through the proper channels. He said Dokolo Chief Magistrate’s Court remains committed to handling cases fairly, promptly, and in accordance with the law.

During the session, inmates were educated on the procedures, eligibility requirements, and benefits of plea bargaining and the Community Service Programme. Muzeyi explained that plea bargaining is voluntary and allows eligible accused persons to resolve criminal cases faster, while community service offers suitable offenders a rehabilitative alternative to imprisonment.

Dokolo District Community Service Officer Esther Egnorwot explained the objectives of community service, placement procedures, and the responsibilities of offenders under the programme. She encouraged eligible inmates to embrace it as an opportunity for rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.

The outreach provided inmates with a better understanding of available legal remedies and the role of alternative sentencing in promoting restorative justice and reducing prison congestion.

The initiative is part of the Judiciary’s wider reforms aimed at strengthening legal awareness, improving access to justice, reducing case backlog, and expanding the use of plea bargaining and community service across the country.

Also present were the Deputy Officer in Charge of Koroto Prison and Arnold Aweri, Court Clerk at Dokolo Chief Magistrate’s Court.