Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
KAMPALA, December 05, 2023 | The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) has issued a fervent call to the recently appointed state attorneys, urging them to embody diligence and responsiveness in the discharge of their duties. The directive stems from concerns over lapses in performance that impact the effectiveness of the directorate and the overall delivery of justice.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecution – International Affairs – James Odumbi Owere, addressed the new state attorneys during a week-long induction at Hotel Brovad in Masaka City. Owere underscored the critical role of state attorneys in instituting and conducting criminal proceedings, emphasizing their responsibility in matters ranging from international cooperation to addressing transnational crimes.
Expressing concern, Owere noted that some prosecutors have fallen short of expectations due to conduct that manifests in their work methods. He pointed out instances where state attorneys, deliberately or not, failed to apply their competence while handling assigned case files. Such lapses, he argued, not only abuse public trust but also impede the swift administration of criminal justice.
Challenging the new state attorneys, Owere emphasized the need for them to rise to the demands of their professional roles. He urged them to exhibit exceptional levels of integrity by providing reasoned legal opinions, discouraging unnecessary referrals to the ODPP. As the new attorneys step into their roles, they are expected not only to enhance the delivery of justice but also to cultivate personal traits enabling them to navigate the challenges inherent in their duties.
Savia Mugwaya, Commissioner at Civil Service College and a key facilitator at the induction, echoed these sentiments. She called upon the new state attorneys to approach their responsibilities with diligence, keeping their offices open to the public. Mugwaya emphasized that the impact of their academic exposure and competence should reverberate in safeguarding the rights and justice of the citizens they serve.
