ODPPUGANDA_SUPPORT

ODPP’S ASSISTANT DPP SAMALI WAKOOLI RECEIVES DIAMOND JUBILEE MEDAL FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND LOYALTY TO THE COUNTRY On this International Women’s Day, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is honored and proud to have its Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of the Department of Gender, Children and Sexual Offences, Ms. Samali Wakooli, as a recipient of the Diamond Jubilee Medal by H. E. The President of the Republic of Uganda. This award recognizes her outstanding service and loyalty to the country. The medal was presented during the national celebrations of the International Women’s Day at Kololo National Ceremonial Grounds. Ms. Wakooli was recognized for successfully prosecuting high-profile criminal cases, securing justice for victims, and being a strong advocate for improved justice for victims of crime, especially in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases. She was further acknowledged for her innovative, victim-centered approaches in criminal justice, such as establishing various child-friendly spaces for interviewing child victims nationwide, enabling them to testify easily, and resulting in successful criminal prosecutions. She also introduced the use of anatomically detailed dolls as evidence aids to help children give testimony in court, resulting in successful criminal prosecutions. Additionally, Ms. Wakooli was praised for extensively training law enforcement, medical officers, and probation officers on how to handle Gender-Based Violence cases, improving their capacity to deliver justice to victims, many of whom are women and children. Ms. Wakooli was recognized for her significant contribution toward the current 81% conviction rate in SGBV cases. Therefore, she was awarded the title of Honour of the Diamond Jubilee Medal for outstanding service, dedication, and contribution to the development of Uganda. The ODPP congratulates Ms. Samali Wakooli for the achievement and expresses its appreciation to H.E. the President for the award.

Boots on the ground in Fort Portal! Our team is on-site this week, training ODPP officers on the essential modules of the EDRMS platform. Equipping our staff with digital skills for a more efficient justice system. #DigitalUganda #EDRMS #EDRMSTraining #ODPPUGANDA #CapacityBuilding

Introducing the #EDRMS system to our ODPP Kabale team. This tool streamlines the entire electronic lifecycle of official documents, from initial creation and routing to long-term storage, usage, and final disposal. #DigitalUganda #ODPPUGANDA #EDRMSTraining #EDRMS

Practical learning underway in Kabale Region! Team members are acquiring firsthand experience with a specialized EDRMS test environment that mirrors the actual system. This method is essential for mastering operational workflows and seamless system navigation. #DigitalUganda #ODPPUGANDA #EDRMSTraining #CapacityBuilding #EDRMS

*ODPP AT THE VANGUARD OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AT THE SOROTI HIGH COURT OPEN DAY* Today, March 3, 2026, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) emerged as a central pillar of the justice-sector engagement at the inaugural Open Day convened by the Judiciary at the Soroti High Court and the Chief Magistrate’s Court grounds, under the theme, “Enhancing Judicial Accountability and Access to Justice.” The event was graced by the Honourable Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda, in the company of the Principal Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Francis Abodo, and the Resident Judge of Soroti High Court, Hon. Justice Boniface Wamala. The event showed the Judiciary’s continued commitment to transparency, public trust, and institutional accountability. The ODPP was ably represented by officers from Soroti, Amuria, and Katakwi. On behalf of the Office, State Attorney Paul Okello of Soroti delivered a compelling articulation of the ODPP’s constitutional mandate within the criminal justice system. He highlighted the independence of prosecutorial decision-making, the operational efficiency of the Prosecution Case Management Information System (PROCAMIS), and the internal complaints mechanisms that reinforce accountability within the institution. His presentation positioned the ODPP not merely as a prosecuting authority, but as a constitutional guardian of legality, fairness, and the public interest. In a candid and data-driven submission, Ms. Gladys Macrina Nyanzi, the Regional Officer Soroti, informed the Chief Guest that the ODPP currently holds 437 case files of persons awaiting trial in the region, comprising 170 murder cases, 163 aggravated defilement cases, 58 rape cases, 33 aggravated robbery cases, and 13 aggravated trafficking cases. These figures accentuate the gravity of offences confronting the Teso Sub-region and the significant prosecutorial responsibility borne by the Office. While expressing gratitude to the Judiciary for the numerous High Court sessions conducted over the past two years, which have greatly facilitated case disposal, Ms. Nyanzi called for additional sessions, particularly given the prevalence of murder cases in the region. She noted that such cases are often subjected to clan-based settlements, a practice that, though culturally rooted, frequently compromises witnesses and undermines the integrity of formal prosecutions. The Open Day was more than a ceremonial gathering; it was a reaffirmation of institutional collaboration in the pursuit of justice. While convened by the Judiciary, the engagement vividly demonstrated that judicial accountability and access to justice are sustained through effective, principled prosecution. The ODPP remains steadfast in its constitutional mandate to prosecute without fear or favour and to work collaboratively with the Judiciary and all justice sector actors in strengthening public confidence in the rule of law. #ODPPUGANDA

Impressive progress from the ODPP Mbarara team! Their rapid uptake of the #EDRMS system demonstrates a strong commitment to leveraging technology for efficient service delivery. Proud to see this digital transformation in action. #ODPPUGANDA #CapacityBuilding #EDRMSTraining #DigitalUganda

Learning by doing! Our team is sharpening their skills on a dedicated EDRMS test instance that replicates the real system. This practical session is key to mastering workflows and navigation. #DigitalUganda #ODPPUGANDA #EDRMSTraining

Currently onboarding the #EDRMS system in ODPP Mbarara region. EDRMS supports creation, routing, storage, use and disposal of official documents electronically. #DigitalUganda #ODPPUGANDA #EDRMSTraining

*DPP Uganda Participates in the Launch of ODPP Kenya Anti-terrorism and Counter financing of Terrorism Prosecution Curriculum* The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Anguzu today joined his Kenyan counterpart part Mr. Renson .M. Ingonga, Director of Public Prosecutions Kenya in launching the Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Financing of Terrorism Prosecution Curriculum at Movenpick Hotel and Residences, Nairobi (Kenya), a landmark initiative designed to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to combat terrorism and transnational organised crimes.#ODPPUPDATES #ODPPUGANDA

*A DELEGATION FROM THE UGANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY PAYS A COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS* The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Lino Anguzu, today met with a delegation from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for a courtesy visit. They discussed ways to enhance the management of tax-related prosecutions. Ms. Catherine Kyokunda Donovan, Commissioner of Legal Affairs at URA, emphasized the importance of URA's relationship with the ODPP, particularly given the ODPP's key role in combating corruption. She noted that tax enforcement is difficult without criminal prosecutions and emphasized the need for ongoing communication and collaboration. Mr. Stuart Aheebwa, the Ag. Assistant Commissioner of Litigation at URA expressed appreciation for the ODPP's support and oversight of URA’s prosecution of tax-related cases at the Anti-Corruption Court, noting that in 2025, the URA concluded 60 such cases with a 96.5% conviction rate.

*ENHANCING COLLABORATION TO SAFEGUARD LAND AND PROPERTY RIGHTS* Today, 9th February 2026, Mr. Lino Anguzu, Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP) chaired a strategic engagement between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and Redeem International, an organisation committed to combating land and property grabbing crimes affecting widows and orphans. The meeting centred on consolidating institutional cooperation, strengthening information-sharing frameworks, and enhancing coordinated prosecution of illegal land and property dispossession. Both institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting vulnerable victims, holding offenders accountable, and restoring unlawfully taken land and homes. Ms. Juliet Nafuna, National Director of Redeem International, reiterated that the organisation’s partnership with the ODPP is designed to strengthen the prosecutorial environment within which the ODPP executes its constitutional mandate. She emphasised that sustainable justice for vulnerable communities requires prosecutorial capacity, and strategic collaboration. In a comprehensive presentation, representatives of Redeem International highlighted measurable achievements arising from the partnership. To date, 875 suspects implicated in land and property grabbing crimes against widows and orphans have been prosecuted, with 268 convictions secured. Additionally, 5,722 beneficiaries have been served, 3,116 victims have been restored to their land and homes, and 3,280 survivors have been rehabilitated. These outcomes reflect not only successful prosecutions but also tangible restitution and social recovery for affected communities. However, the team noted that the shortage of prosecutors remains a significant challenge affecting the timeliness of case disposal. Ms. Nafuna commended Mr. Andrew Odiit, Principal Assistant DPP and Head of the Land Crimes Department, for his leadership in coordinating efforts between the two institutions. In his remarks, the DPP reaffirmed that land and property grabbing offences remain a strategic priority for the ODPP, hence the establishment of a dedicated Land Crimes Department as a strategic intervention that has sharpened focus on combating property-related criminality. He emphasised the need for heightened awareness among law enforcement agencies, judicial officers, and political leaders regarding the criminal nature of such conduct. He further outlined his vision to strengthen the ODPP’s Asset Recovery Unit to ensure that, in every appropriate case, stolen property is traced, recovered, and returned to rightful owners, thereby delivering justice that ensures accountability and restitution. Mr. Odumbi James Owere, Deputy DPP, underscored the importance of community sensitisation as a preventive tool, noting that citizens must be empowered with knowledge on how to access the criminal justice system in cases of land and property dispossession. Mr. John Baptist Asiimwe, Deputy DPP, observed that the forthcoming Annual Prosecutors’ Symposium presents an important platform for Redeem International to engage prosecutors nationwide, deepen technical collaboration, and strengthen coordinated response mechanisms. The engagement marked a significant step in reinforcing institutional synergy, enhancing prosecutorial effectiveness, and safeguarding the land and property rights of vulnerable Ugandans. The ODPP and Redeem International reaffirmed their joint commitment to accountability, restoration, and the protection of widows and orphans from unlawful dispossession, ensuring that justice is not only pursued, but meaningfully realised. #ODPPUGANDA #ODPPUPDATE

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE UGANDA WILD LIFE AUTHORITY PAYS A COURTESY CALL ON THE DPP Dr. James Musinguzi, the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and his two Assistant Commissioners paid a courtesy call on the DPP at the head office. The two leaders exchanged pleasantries , after which Dr. Musinguzi congratulated Mr. Lino Anguzu on his appointment as the Director of Public Prosecutions and on the great work the ODPP is doing for the country. Dr. Musinguzi noted that it is pertinent to engage with key stakeholders; and that the Office of the DPP is key to ensuring that UWA fulfils its mandate to conserve and curb wildlife crime. He also noted that UWA is gratified by the assistance rendered so far and, as an institution, they are hopeful that it is going to strengthen. He appreciated the prosecution licences offered to their staff, the open-door policy, the expeditious handling of wildlife- related cases, and capacity-building for all the prosecutors from UWA and ODPP. In his remarks, the DPP welcomed Dr. Musinguzi to the ODPP. He also acknowledged the long-standing partnership between the two institutions, which includes, but not limited to, licenses for UWA prosecutors, capacity-building, and collaboration in the prosecution of wildlife cases. The DPP pledged continued support, including mentoring and training for prosecutors from both institutions to ensure an effective prosecution service. The meeting was attended by the two Deputy DPPs, Mr. James Odumbi Owere and Mr. JB Asiimwe, and Ms. Barbara Kawuma, the HoD Field Operations. #ODPPUGANDA #ODPPUPDATES @ugwildlife @odppuganda_

Throughout the week, the participants learnt about the background of the Global Fund cycles and activities in the ODPP, the Global Fund structures, systems and processes and they also discussed the approved work plan to map out the modalities of implementation. The event was closed by HW Festo Nsenga, Deputy Registrar at the Inspectorate of Courts, who, in his remarks, emphasised the need for continued collaboration among the stakeholders in order to deliver on the BDB initiative. He thanked the Ministry of Health officials for providing technical expertise throughout the orientation and implored all the participants to make time to implement the programme as it is time bound. #ODPPUPDATES #ODPPUGANDA

THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE UGANDA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION PAYS A COURTESY CALL ON THE DPP The Chairperson of the UHRC Ms. Mariam Wangadya, together with the Director of Complaints and Investigations, paid a courtesy call on the DPP, Mr. Lino Anguzu. In her remarks, she congratulated Mr. Lino Anguzu upon his appointment as the Director of Public Prosecutions. Ms. Wangadya then said that she had come to reaffirm the partnership of the 2 institutions given their shared responsibility in the promotion and protection of human rights. She further stated that the commission has always supported the Office of the DPP in the fulfilment of its mandate , specifically the right to justice and equal protection of all citizens before the law. She also shared several areas of mutual interest and a list of cases that the 2 institutions have worked on together. The Director appreciated the warm wishes from the Chairperson and commended her for the job well done at the Commission. Mr. Anguzu informed the Commission that the Office of the DPP has a Human rights desk and stressed that observance of human rights is very key in ensuring an effective prosecution service. The DPP acknowledged the areas of mutual interest between the 2 institutions and also highlighted challenges that affect justice systems and subsequently impact the observance of human rights. He further noted that there is a need for law reform, professionalism across the board, and an increase in staffing levels. The institutions commit to working together towards a common goal.#ODPPUGANDA

UPDATE: The Office of the DPP says it will appeal the acquittal of former Bukwo District LC5 chairperson Chelimo Julius Moses, who was cleared by the International Crimes Division of the High Court of charges of aggravated defilement and aggravated trafficking in children, allegedly committed in October 2021. Justice Duncan Gaswaga ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt, but prosecutors argue it is inconsistent to acquit the alleged prime suspect when two co-accused pleaded guilty and were convicted. Despite the acquittal, Chelimo remains in custody over similar charges before another court. #MonitorUpdates 📹 Juliet Kigongo

He reminded participants that the constitutional mandate to determine who should be prosecuted rests squarely with the ODPP, and cautioned the Police against rushed arrests, particularly where investigations are incomplete. The DPP challenged both prosecutors and investigators to raise the quality of justice delivered to society, demonstrating professionalism, control, and clarity of purpose in their work. “If we prioritize cases and work in an organized manner, we can significantly reduce case backlog and decongest our prisons,” he emphasized. He further issued a strong warning against human rights abuses and corruption, calling for integrity, accountability, and discipline across all stages of the criminal justice process. The meeting concluded with robust and candid deliberations on key challenges and best practices in the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases, reaffirming the shared commitment of the ODPP and CID to improving justice delivery in the Jinja Region and beyond.#ODPPUPDATES #ODPPUPDATE #JusticeMatters @PoliceUg

*DPP LEADS ODPP–CID COORDINATION MEETING IN JINJA REGION TO BOLSTER THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME* On 12 December 2025, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Lino Anguzu, chaired a high-level ODPP–CID Coordination Meeting in the Jinja Region, aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration and enhancing the effectiveness of criminal justice delivery. The meeting took place at Nile Village Hotel, Jinja District. Delivering opening remarks, the Regional Officer, Jinja, Assistant DPP Alex Ojok, commended the strong working relationship between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) in the region. He, however, highlighted a critical challenge: the shortage of prosecutors, which continues to impede the timely and effective delivery of justice. This concern was echoed by the Deputy Regional CID Officer, SP Patrick Okello, who underscored the operational strain caused by limited human resources. The Regional Police Commander, Kiira, SSP Nsaba Charles, called for deeper partnership and tighter coordination between the ODPP and the Police, emphasizing that crime prevention and management are shared institutional responsibilities that require sustained cooperation. In his presentation, the Deputy DPP in charge of Prosecutions and International Affairs, Mr. Odumbi James Owere, reiterated that the ODPP-CID coordination framework exists to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure both agencies effectively discharge their respective mandates. He urged prosecutors and investigators to adhere strictly to professional standards, particularly in the face of staffing constraints and case backlogs. He stressed that only well-investigated and meritorious cases should be referred for prosecution, cautioning against incarcerating innocent persons due to incomplete investigations. He further warned against the reconciliation of parties in serious criminal matters and emphasised the proper use of plea bargaining as a lawful and efficient tool within the criminal justice system. Addressing the meeting, the DPP Lino Anguzu delivered a firm and principled message: “We have a product to deliver to the people of Uganda: criminal justice, law and order, fairness, and the protection of human rights.”

Mr. Anguzu reiterated the ODPP’s mission to provide professional and responsive services that promote public trust and contribute to national transformation. The DPP was accompanied by the Deputy Directors of Public Prosecutions; Mr. James Owere Odumbi, Mr. John Baptist Asiimwe, and Mr. George William Byansi, along with the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Agnes Kainza Nzogi, and the Principal Policy Analyst, Ms. Viola Tucungwire. Overall, the visits focused on strengthening accountability, addressing challenges, and reinforcing standards to improve efficiency and public confidence in the criminal justice system. The members of top management also had a team building and bonding session with the staff of Jinja Region.#ODPPUPDATES #ODPPUGANDA

*ODPP Top Management Inspects Jinja Region Stations* The top management of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Lino Anguzu, conducted an inspection of ODPP stations in the Jinja Region from 10th to 12th December 2025. The inspection aimed to ensure the effective, efficient, and accountable delivery of criminal justice services. The inspection covered the Jinja Regional Office, the Resident State Attorney offices in Jinja, Iganga, Kamuli, Bugiri and Mayuge, as well as the Resident State Prosecutor offices in Buyende and Namayingo. During the visits, top management assessed operations, reviewed compliance with prosecutorial standards, and engaged staff on service delivery and institutional expectations. Addressing staff, the DPP emphasized the importance of quality and ethics in prosecutions. He advised prosecutors to sanction only cases that merit prosecution and reminded them of their constitutional responsibility to maintain public trust. He cautioned against reconciling cases involving serious criminal offences, noting that such practices undermine justice and promote impunity. He also stressed the importance of proper records management, teamwork, and positive public engagement.