COMMEMORATING HALF A DECADE OF THE HON. LADY JUSTICE JANE FRANCES ABODO’S EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP AS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

COMMEMORATING HALF A DECADE OF THE HON. LADY JUSTICE JANE FRANCES ABODO’S EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP AS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo is the first female Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Before serving on the Bench, she was a Prosecutor in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for nineteen years, ten of which were spent as Head of the Anti–Corruption Department. She assumed office as DPP on 22^nd April 2020. The DPP is the Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the principal prosecutions authority in Uganda.

In her maiden speech, the DPP set targets geared towards building on the successes and achievements of her predecessors and refocusing the ODPP on several critical areas, which included focusing on high-level crime and reducing case backlog, improving staffing and staff welfare, developing guidelines for the prosecutors, and establishing a prosecutors’ academy.

Yesterday, April 22, 2025, the Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo marked half a decade at the apex of the ODPP. Under her distinguished leadership and stewardship, the ODPP has registered several remarkable milestones on the targets mentioned above and much more, in line with the National Development Plan (NDP) III and Uganda’s Vision 2040.

1. FOCUSING ON HIGH-LEVEL CRIME AND CASE BACKLOG REDUCTION

Criminal case disposal initiatives such as plea bargaining, ordinary criminal case sessions, Special Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) case sessions, daily hearings, and case weeding have been increasingly employed nationwide to ensure quick criminal case disposal. As a result, over 500,000 cases have been concluded. This has greatly contributed to case backlog reduction. Moreover, the nation-wide conviction rate has risen to 70%. The conviction rate for the Anti-Corruption Department is 93%, with cash recoveries amounting to Ug. Shs. 15,229,826,317. The use of victim-centred approaches such as child-friendly spaces and anatomical dolls over time has seen the rise of the conviction rate in Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases from 60% to 80%.

Below are the milestones in some of the notable public interest cases.

FORMER LORD’S RESISTANCE ARMY (LRA) COMMANDER THOMAS KWOYELO PROSECUTED, CONVICTED AND SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR WAR CRIMES AND CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY

In a historic moment for Uganda’s prosecutorial and judicial system, the ODPP, in September and October 2024, secured convictions and a groundbreaking 40-year prison sentence against former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo. This sentence marks the first successful prosecution of international crimes within Uganda’s courts, addressing atrocities committed during the LRA’s decades-long insurgency against the Uganda Government, which negatively affected the lives of the people in northern, north eastern and eastern Uganda.

The International Crimes Division of the High Court handed down a maximum sentence to Kwoyelo, also known as Latoni, in a case that involved charges, including War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity. The court’s sentences reflect the gravity of the atrocities committed:

1. 40 years for each count of murder under War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
2. 37 years for enslavement, each count of rape, and each count of torture under Crimes Against Humanity
3. 30 years for imprisonment as a Crime Against Humanity and for each count of kidnapping with intent to murder under the Penal Code Act
4. 12 years for outrages upon personal dignity and cruel treatment as War Crimes
5. 10 years for each count of pillaging as War Crimes

The court ruled that these sentences would run concurrently, meaning Kwoyelo will serve a maximum of 40 years.

This case represents a major milestone, establishing a precedent for prosecuting international crimes within Uganda’s national legal framework. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to holding perpetrators of War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity accountable. It reinforces Uganda’s place in the international community as a jurisdiction where justice for atrocities is pursued rigorously.

On the 16th day of December 2024, the International Crimes Division of Uganda’s High Court ordered reparations for victims of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebellion. The court awarded financial reparations to victims based on the nature of harm suffered as follows:

a) UGX 10 million for each deceased person.

b) UGX 4 million for each victim of bodily injury.

c) UGX 5 million for each survivor of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

d) UGX 3.5 million per household for property loss.

e) UGX 3 million for exhumation and other rituals and ceremonies.

These reparations aim to provide a measure of relief to victims who endured unimaginable pain and loss during the LRA’s brutal insurgency, which lasted nearly two decades and displaced millions of Ugandans.

KAZINDA GEOFFREY, THE PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT IN THE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND OTHERS WERE PROSECUTED, CONVICTED OF CORRUPTION AND SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS IMPRISONMENT

The Principal Accountant in the OPM and the Principal Systems Analyst in the Ministry of Finance were convicted of corruption cases arising from mismanagement of Peace, Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP) funds in the sum of Ug. Shs. 19,171,467,505. Mr. Kazinda was ordered to refund this money to the government and serve a cumulative custodial sentence of 25 years. On the other hand, the second accused was sentenced to a fine of Ug. Shs.18 million/= or imprisonment for 3 years. Both convicts were barred from holding public offices for a period of 10 years.

THREE MEMBERS OF THE ALLIED DEMOCRATIC FORCES (ADF) WERE PROSECUTED AND CONVICTED FOR THEIR PLANNED ATTACK AT DEPUTY IGP GENERAL PAUL LOKECH’S FUNERAL

Three accused persons were prosecuted by the ODPP and convicted of terrorism, unlawful possession of explosives and belonging to a terrorist organisation, by the International Crimes Division of the High Court on 23^rd August 2024, for their involvement in a planned terrorist attack at the funeral of the Late Deputy Inspector General of Police, General Paul Lokech. Katumba Rashid alias Abdu was convicted of terrorism and unlawful possession of explosives. Luyenjje Najjimu and Kiyemba Arafat Jamil were convicted of the offence of belonging to a terrorist organisation.

Katumba Rashid, alias Abdu, a member of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a proscribed terrorist organisation, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for each count of terrorism and unlawful possession of explosives. On the other hand, Luyenjje Najjimu and Kiyemba Arafat Jamil were each sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment for belonging to the ADF.

The attack was foiled in Pader District in August 2021 when security forces intercepted Katumba Rashid, who was carrying explosives with the intent to cause harm to the public.

KASOLO COPORIYAMU ALIAS ARSENAL AND 4 OTHERS PROSECUTED, CONVICTED AND SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT AND 35 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR THE MURDER OF NAGIRINYA MARIA GATENI

Kasolo Coporiyamu alias Arsenal, Lubega Johnson alias Etoo alias Manomano alias Rasta, Kalyango Nasif alias Muwonge, Kiseka Hassan alias Masadda and Mpanga Sharif alias Shafiq were prosecuted on two counts of kidnap with intent to murder, two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated robbery to the prejudice of Nagirinya Maria Gateni and Kitayimbwa Ronald respectively, convicted, and Kasolo Coporiyimu was sentenced to life imprisonment, and the others apart from Kiseka Hassan to 35 years’ imprisonment on 19^th October 2023. Kiseka Hassan was acquitted.

It had been alleged that on the night of 28th August 2019, Kitayimbwa Ronald drove Nagirinya Maria Gateni back to her home at Lungujja when the accused (now convicts) kidnapped them from the gate of the residence of Nagirinya Maria Gateni. The accused then drove them to Nama Sub-county in Mukono, where they murdered them using a car jerk and logs.

MURDER AND TERRORISM CHARGES IN ASSISTANT DPP JOAN KAGEZI CASE CONFIRMED

Following Prosecution Guided Investigations by a team comprising officers from the ODPP, Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS) and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT), there was a breakthrough in the Joan Kagezi case that originated in 2015. In 2024, four suspects were arrested for the murder of Joan Kagezi, an Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. They were charged with murder and terrorism and committed to the International Crimes Division of the High Court.

On March 24, 2025, criminal charges of murder and terrorism against accused persons (Kisekka Daniel Kiwanuka, Kibuuka John, Masajjage John and Nasur Abdallah) being prosecuted by the ODPP for the murder of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Joan Kagezi were confirmed by the International Crimes Division of the High Court. This ruling has paved the way for their trial, nearly a decade after her tragic killing.

On the evening of March 30, 2015, Uganda was rocked by the brutal killing of Joan Kagezi. She was ambushed by gunmen on motorcycles while stopping to buy fruits. Her children were present at the scene as she was shot at close range.

With the charges confirmed, the accused persons will now stand trial in the High Court. The ruling marks a significant step in the fight against targeted attacks on legal professionals.

It suffices to note that, in the fight against corruption, the DPP has prosecuted not just high-profile personalities but also her own, as she noted in her maiden speech upon assumption of office.

• STAFFING AND STAFF WELFARE

Having noted that the ODPP Prosecutors were thin on the ground, sparsely deployed, under–resourced, and less equipped with tools and facilities to do their work optimally, the DPP embarked on improving their work conditions.

Due to her efforts, 65 Senior State Attorneys have been promoted to the rank of Chief State Attorney, 39 State Prosecutors have been promoted to the rank of Senior State Prosecutor, 118 State Attorneys have been promoted to the rank of Senior State Attorney, and 105 State Attorneys have been recruited. This is the largest single intake of prosecutors in the institution’s history. This unprecedented recruitment drive significantly bolstered the ODPP’s prosecutorial capacity nationwide, addressing long-standing human resource gaps impeding effective service delivery.

The addition of these legal professionals has not only enhanced the institution’s presence in previously underserved regions but also improved the overall efficiency and timeliness of case handling. By expanding its prosecutorial workforce, the ODPP is better positioned to ensure equitable access to justice, reduce case backlog, and strengthen the rule of law throughout Uganda. This recruitment, therefore, stands as a cornerstone in the ODPP’s institutional transformation, laying a firm foundation for sustained performance and delivery of its constitutional mandate.

In addition, the DPP successfully pursued an 81% salary enhancement for the Prosecutors in 2022 and successfully pursued a tax waiver.

Furthermore, 100 vehicles have been procured under her stewardship and handed over to Regional Officers, Heads of Stations in hard-to-reach areas, and other officers to enhance their movement with criminal case files to courts to prosecute criminal cases. It suffices to note that this is the largest procurement of vehicles in such a period of time in the ODPP’s history.

• CREATION OF NEW DIVISIONS AND UNITS

To enhance prosecutorial services’ efficiency, responsiveness, and specialization, the DPP has established several dedicated divisions and units tailored to address emerging crime trends and ensure focused legal intervention. These include:

1. Homicide Division: The Homicide Division is a specialised arm of the ODPP, established with a clear mandate to handle cases involving the unlawful taking of human life. This division was created to recognize the gravity, complexity, and societal impact of homicide cases, which often demand focused expertise, meticulous investigations, and coordinated prosecutorial strategies. Since its inception, the Homicide Division has played a pivotal role in strengthening the ODPP’s ability to deliver justice in some of the most serious and sensitive homicide cases. By dedicating specialized prosecutors to homicide-related cases, the division ensures that each file is handled with the far more diligence, sensitivity, and legal precision it deserves.
2. Cyber Crimes Unit: In response to the exponential growth of technology-enabled offences, this unit was formed to strengthen the ODPP’s capacity to investigate and prosecute digital and internet-related crimes such as online fraud, identity theft, and computer misuse. It provides prosecutorial guidance in technically complex cases, ensures digital evidence is lawfully secured, and collaborates with other agencies in combating cyber threats.
3. Private Prosecutions Liaison and Coordination Unit: This unit was created to manage, review, and coordinate private prosecutions filed by individuals or entities. Providing oversight and ensuring compliance with prosecutorial standards safeguards the integrity of the justice process and prevents the misuse of private prosecution avenues for malicious or frivolous litigation.
4. Parish Development Model and Emyooga Fund Investigations Unit: Recognizing the need to protect government-led poverty alleviation initiatives, this unit is tasked with handling offences arising from the mismanagement or embezzlement of funds under the Parish Development Model and Emyooga programs. It plays a vital role in ensuring accountability, promoting public trust in government initiatives, and reinforcing the prosecutorial arm’s commitment to protecting public resources.
5. Investment Crimes Protection Unit: Established to protect domestic and foreign investment from criminal interference, this unit addresses economic crimes affecting investors, such as fraud, forgery, and illegal appropriation of assets. It helps foster a secure and predictable investment climate by ensuring that justice is swiftly served in cases that undermine economic development.
6. Plea Bargain Unit: The Plea Bargain Unit is a dedicated and strategic component of the ODPP, tasked with managing all matters related to plea bargaining. Established to promote prosecutorial efficiency and facilitate the timely resolution of criminal cases, this unit serves as a vital mechanism for balancing justice with pragmatism. By overseeing the plea negotiation process, the unit enables the ODPP to achieve meaningful outcomes in cases where a full trial may not be necessary or desirable. It ensures that plea agreements are conducted transparently, fairly, and in line with legal standards, always with the victims’ rights and the public interest at the forefront. The unit has significantly contributed to reducing case backlog in the criminal justice system by streamlining proceedings and conserving valuable prosecutorial resources. Its work allows the ODPP to prioritise complex trials while ensuring accountability and restitution in less contentious matters. Moreover, the Plea Bargain Unit has been instrumental in sensitising stakeholders—including prosecutors, defence counsel, and judicial officers—on the effective use of plea bargaining as a tool for justice. It also develops guidelines, provides training, and monitors the implementation of negotiated settlements to maintain consistency and uphold prosecutorial integrity. In doing so, the unit strengthens the prosecutorial process and contributes to a more responsive, efficient, and restorative criminal justice system under the ODPP.

Each unit contributes significantly to the ODPP’s strategic goal of delivering focused, effective, and timely justice. By promoting specialization, enhancing investigative collaboration, and aligning prosecutorial efforts with national development priorities, these units collectively strengthen the institution’s capacity to uphold the rule of law in a rapidly evolving criminal landscape.

• DEVELOPMENT OF GUIDELINES FOR PROSECUTORS

While delivering her maiden speech, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo said, “It is now good practice for many prosecution authorities worldwide to set detailed and comprehensive procedures, standards, protocols and guidelines for Prosecutors. This is to give direction on exercising various powers under their ambit. Such documents are meant to be organic, dynamic, and frequently updated in response to case law or legislation or to the changes in criminal justice procedures.”

During the DPP’s tenure, the following Plans and Guidelines have been launched; the ODPP Fifth Strategic Plan FY 2020/21 – FY 2024/25, Mutual Legal Assistance Guidelines, 2024, Decision to Charge Guidelines, 2023, Prosecution–Guided Investigations Guidelines, 2023, Guidelines for Management of Investigations and Prosecution of Land Crimes in Uganda, 2022, Plea Bargain Guidelines, 2021, Trafficking in Persons Prosecutor Guidelines, 2021, Guidelines on Investigations and Prosecutions of Wildlife Crimes in Uganda, 2021, Cross–Sectoral Handbook for Victim–Centred Investigation, Prosecution and Adjudication of Gender Based Violence (GBV) Cases, 2021, Multi–Disciplinary Training Curriculum on GBV and Violence Against Children (VAC), and Guidelines for Coordination in Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions, 2020. These Guidelines have been created with the support of partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), UN Women, the Human Trafficking Institute (HTI), and Space for Giants.

• ESTABLISHING A PROSECUTORS’ ACADEMY

One of the DPP’s dreams was to establish a Prosecutors’ Academy. This was premised on the dynamism of crime commission, the increased need for skills, tools, and facilitation of Prosecutors, who are the foot soldiers of justice, and the fact that prosecution is an art that is not taught in school.

This dream was realised in early 2023, the ODPP Virtual Academy; the first in East Africa was birthed with the aid of U. K’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the British High Commission, ROLE UK and Advocates for International Development (A41D) and Foundation for International Legal Assistance (EVOLVE–FILA). It is an online platform for remotely delivering training and legal resources to Prosecutors. This academy was established with the view that capacity building is core to a fair dispensation of justice, career development and performance improvement. Given that the ODPP Prosecutors are spread across the country, the virtual academy offers a platform to train them remotely. They can also conveniently access the legal material in their respective schedules. Eight Trainer of Trainers across the ranks and gender were trained, and they are training several other Prosecutors.

• LAND ACQUISITION FOR THE ODPP PROSECUTORS’ ACADEMY

Under her stewardship, the ODPP has successfully secured 5 acres of land in Nakasongola District earmarked for a transformative initiative—the establishment of the physical Prosecutors’ academy. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in the institutional development of the ODPP, laying the groundwork for the creation of a state-of-the-art training and capacity-building facility. The envisioned academy will serve as a national centre of excellence for prosecutorial education, professional development, and research, fostering a new generation of highly skilled, ethical, and effective public prosecutors equipped to meet the evolving demands of criminal justice administration in Uganda.

• TOOLING OF ODPP STAFF WITH ICT EQUIPMENT

Since 2020, the ODPP has acquired 180 desktops, 28 laptops, 32 scanners, and 4 projectors for its staff to efficiently and effectively provide criminal justice services to its stakeholders.

• CONTINUED ROLLING-OUT OF THE PROSECUTION CASE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (PROCAMIS)

The Prosecution Case Management Information System (PROCAMIS) of the ODPP was initiated in 2014, and facilitates easy retrieval of case data and information, thereby streamlining prosecution workflows and improving citizens’ access to justice. By digitizing case management, PROCAMIS reduces paperwork and minimizes delays in legal proceedings, ultimately contributing to a more effective criminal justice system. Since 2020, the system has been rolled out to 47 Regional Offices and Resident State Attorney (RSA) stations. The successful rollout of this technology underscores the ODPP’s commitment to modernizing its legal framework and ensuring that prosecutorial services are timely and accountable.

1. APPOINTMENT OF FIRST EVER PERMANENT SECRETARY OF THE ODPP

Under the leadership of Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the ODPP has achieved a significant institutional milestone by securing the establishment of the Office of the Permanent Secretary for the first time in its history in February 2025. The creation of this office marks a critical advancement in the ODPP’s administrative structure. It introduces a dedicated mechanism for managing the institution’s internal operations, policy implementation, financial oversight, and coordination with other government entities. This structural enhancement enables the ODPP to function with greater efficiency, allowing prosecutorial leadership to focus on core legal mandates without being burdened by administrative duties.

The Permanent Secretary is envisaged to fortify the ODPP’s role in inter-ministerial and interagency frameworks, reinforce compliance with public service governance standards, and ensure continuity in institutional management. This development underscores the ODPP’s growing maturity and professionalization as a central actor in Uganda’s justice sector.

• INITIATION OF BARAZAS

Prosecution services are now being brought closer to the people through barazas held by the ODPP in various regions of the country. These barazas provide an open forum for community members and local leaders to engage with justice officials, sharing their challenges and exploring solutions to strengthen service delivery. The barazas serve to listen to and address community concerns immediately, where possible, demonstrating a commitment to an accessible and responsive justice system. They are a significant step towards making justice accessible to all. Kabale and Gulu Regions benefited from the initiative in September and December, with support from the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO). The rest of the regions will also benefit from the same.

• ODPP NEWSLETTER

During her tenure, the DPP initiated the development and institutionalization of the ODPP Newsletter. This quarterly publication has since become an essential communication and knowledge-sharing tool of the ODPP. This newsletter serves as a comprehensive chronicle of the ODPP’s milestones, spotlighting key prosecutorial achievements, landmark decisions, strategic initiatives, and the dynamic contributions of individual Prosecutors across the country.

Each edition features analytical articles, legal commentaries, thought leadership pieces by Prosecutors, and curated updates from regional and specialized departments. The newsletter promotes transparency, fosters professional pride, and reinforces institutional memory by capturing these narratives and operational highlights.

Beyond internal communication, the ODPP Newsletter enhances effective prosecutorial service delivery. It provides a centralized platform for disseminating best practices, emerging jurisprudence, policy updates, and reforms, thus cultivating a culture of continuous learning and accountability. Moreover, it bridges the information gap between the ODPP and its stakeholders, including the Judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and the general public, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the prosecutorial process.

• OFFICE CONSTRUCTION

Under the DPP’s stewardship, the ODPP has made significant strides in expanding its physical infrastructure and presence across Uganda. Notably, the DPP has successfully overseen the construction and operationalization of several Resident State Attorney (RSA) offices in various districts, some of which were under-served. These include Kisoro, Bulambuli, Sironko, Kibuku, Buliisa, Kyegegwa, Pallisa, Alebtong, Kamwenge, Madi-Okollo, Arua, Kyotera, and Namayingo, among others. These constructions have been made with the support of the Uganda Government, the Judiciary, the Justice, Law and Order Service, and the European Union.

These RSA offices have greatly enhanced access to justice by bringing prosecutorial services closer to the communities, reducing the distance and delays that citizens previously faced when seeking redress or engaging with the criminal justice system. By decentralizing the ODPP’s operations, these offices have improved the timeliness and efficiency of criminal prosecutions and strengthened inter-agency coordination at the district level, including with the Judiciary, Police, and local authorities.

Furthermore, the ODPP is constructing additional RSA offices in Budaka, Amuria, Butaleja, and Terego Districts. Once completed, these stations will continue to bolster the ODPP’s institutional capacity, ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done in every corner of the country. This infrastructure rollout reflects the ODPP’s commitment to equitable justice delivery, institutional presence, and the progressive realization of a people-centred prosecutorial system.

In addition, several Regional Offices have been constructed in strategic locations, including Mbale, Soroti, Mbarara, Jinja, Arua, Lira, Kabale, Masaka and Mbarara. These regional facilities have enhanced the ODPP’s visibility and brought prosecutorial services closer to the people, ensuring timely and effective administration of justice at the grassroots level.

Furthermore, new Regional Offices are being constructed in Hoima and Luwero Districts. These developments reflect a deliberate and progressive effort to bolster institutional presence in underserved areas and to promote equitable access to criminal justice throughout Uganda.

The Regional Offices play a pivotal role in the ODPP’s operations, serving as vital hubs for supervising and coordinating the work of Resident State Attorneys within their respective jurisdictions. They facilitate faster decision-making, improve case management, and strengthen institutional oversight. Through these regional outposts, the ODPP is better positioned to respond to community needs, reduce case backlog, and implement reforms to enhance prosecutorial integrity and efficiency. This infrastructural expansion underscores the ODPP’s commitment to an accessible, responsive, and nationally representative justice system.

In addition, several other offices have been refurbished. These include Bukedea, Iganga, Abim, Kitgum, Apac, Kalangala, Kasese, Isingiro, Kayunga, Amolatar, Mbale, Masaka, Nakawa, Gulu, Nebbi and Lamwo RSA offices. Furthermore, there are some undergoing refurbishment, and they include Lira, Rukungiri, Mbarara, Busia, Dokolo, Pader, Amuria, Hoima and Moyo RSA offices.

• IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY

In 2020, the ODPP undertook a study to assess public satisfaction towards its services. Results revealed that 75% of the public, particularly the vulnerable, were satisfied with the ODPP prosecution services. In October 2022, following a public survey by Public Opinions, the ODPP received the 2022 Uganda Responsible Investment Mark of Excellence Award as the Best Government institution in the Justice Law and Order Sector from Public Opinions in partnership with the Office of the Minister of State for Investment and Privatization, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, in appreciation of its contribution towards attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Uganda’s Vision 2040 and NDP III.

• RECOGNITION

As DPP, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo was recognised at the 10th Visionaries of Uganda Awards Ceremony, which was held on 24 November 2022, for exemplary leadership and selfless contribution to the Justice, Law, and Order Sector and for outstanding contribution towards Uganda’s middle-income status aspiration and Vision 2040. In 2023, the DPP scooped the ABETO Africa Peace Award in recognition of her remarkable achievements as Director of Public Prosecutions. The ABETO Africa Peace Award is presented to those who have championed the cause of transforming the state and quality of living in their countries.

CONCLUSION

As the ODPP celebrates 30 years of existence, the remarkable leadership and contributions of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, are highly appreciated. The DPP distinctly appreciates the ODPP Top Management and her work family for their efforts towards all these milestones.

In a special way, the DPP acknowledges and appreciates H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa, the President of the Republic of Uganda, government institutions including the Judiciary, Parliament, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Ministry of Public Service, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Public Service Commission, Head of Public Service, Uganda Police Force, and development partners including UNODC, UN Women, UNICEF, EU, IDLO, HTI, CIVIPOL, Kyampisi Childcare Ministries and Space for Giants for their contributions to the aforementioned successes.