Kampala, Uganda.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Uganda, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, received 42 motor vehicles from the Government of Uganda, a significant stride towards improving prosecution service delivery across the country. The vehicles were handed over by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Nobert Mao, in a ceremony held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. This momentous occasion marks a crucial step in supporting prosecutors in hard-to-reach areas and enhancing coordination and supervision of field stations.
The initiative to provide vehicles to prosecutors in remote regions and key departments within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring an efficient and effective justice system. The vehicles will not only facilitate staff and file movement but also serve as a means to improve coordination and supervision, ultimately bolstering the ODPP’s ability to fulfill its mandate.
The motor vehicles were allocated to various Resident State Attorney (RSA) stations, regional offices, and departments at the ODPP’s head office. RSA stations in Kisoro, Ntungamo, Amuru/Nwoya, Patongo, Pader, Paida, Moyo, Hoima, Adjumani, Soroti, Kibaale, Kabale, Rukungiri, Mbarara, Buhweju, Abim, Bududa, Nakaseke, Jinja, Iganga, Bulisa, Kapchorwa, Kiruhura, Katakwi, and Kaberamaido received vehicles to facilitate their operations. Regional offices in Arua, Mbale, Lira, Gulu, Tororo, and Masaka were also beneficiaries.
Moreover, critical departments within the ODPP, such as the International Crimes Department, Anti-Corruption Department, Department of Field Operations, and Department of General Case Work, received vehicles to support their specialized functions. This strategic distribution of vehicles will greatly contribute to improving service delivery in both remote areas and key operational departments.
During the handover ceremony, Ms. Kainza Agnes Nzogi, the Undersecretary/Accounting Officer, emphasized that the provision of vehicles would not only ease staff and file movement but also enhance coordination and supervision of field stations. Ms. Nzogi highlighted the positive impact this support would have on ODPP staff working in hard-to-reach and challenging environments.
In her address, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the DPP, expressed her profound appreciation to the Government of Uganda for their commitment to ensuring the efficiency of prosecutors in executing their duties. She also acknowledged the Finance and Administration Department of the ODPP, under the leadership of the Undersecretary/Accounting Officer, for their unwavering dedication in procuring the vehicles.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Nobert Mao, recognized the demanding and risky nature of prosecutors’ work and emphasized the importance of the ODPP having the necessary resources and support. He reassured the ODPP of the government’s determination to provide the necessary assistance to fulfill its mandate. Hon. Mao emphasized that the ODPP must be able to rely on the power of the state to ensure the safety and protection of prosecutors in carrying out their duties.
