The Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny Dollo pose for a group photo with officials from the Judiciary and other Justice sector
The Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-dollo has said that the Judiciary has saved a lot of money through the recently introduced plea bargaining system.
Under the arrangement, suspects with pending cases in court are encouraged to voluntarily take a guilty plea in exchange for lenient sentences.
The Chief Justice who was speaking on Monday at the opening of Plea Bargain session at Gulu Main Prison noted that that money which would have been spent on long court proceedings is now being saved and diverted to expanding the works of the Judiciary including, investigation, recruitment among others.
“Instead of spending 35 billion in 5 years for this Court Processes, the state only spends 10 billion shillings.” Said Owiny-Dollo
The Chief Justice urged the inmates who know that they have committed the crime to embrace Plea bargaining adding that this will help in reconciliation with the victims of their crimes as well
He also appealed to the Prosecutors not to coerce inmates into coming for plea bargain because of the hard condition in prison
The Plea bargain session in Gulu will last 1 week and will be headed by Gulu Resident Judge, Alex Ajiji Mackay and Plea Bargaining Focal Person, Jane Okuo who will handle capital offences while Magistrate from the two circuits will handle the petty offences
