Abodo rebukes prosecutors for soliciting money from the public

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Residents in Dokolo district used the Court Open Day to voice concerns about how justice is administered, particularly by state attorneys and court officials.

Held on November 24, 2025, at the Dokolo Chief Magistrate’s Court, the event brought together various stakeholders and court users to engage directly with the Judiciary.

Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo, who previously served as Director of Public Prosecutions, attended as the chief guest.

During the discussions, one participant questioned whether it was proper for resident state attorneys to solicit money, while another sought clarification on whether court bail required any payment.

“There are these people called state attorneys. When you visit them, they need money. When you go to court, they still need money. Is this proper or not?” one of the court users asked.

Another participant, Alfred Okori from Agwata subcounty in Dokolo district, expressed concern that some complainants are never compensated, even after suffering losses and the accused being jailed with an order to pay money.

He cited an example in which his motorcycle was burnt, and court ordered a payment of sh6 million, yet he had not received any compensation.

 

Another court user, Ferdinand Owi from Adok subcounty, questioned why a murder suspect did not remain in prison for even three weeks, noting that such outcomes were not pleasing to some members of the community.

Stella Alebo also raised concerns, noting that the government had already gazetted Dokolo to have a High Court and expressed hope that this would be actualised soon to save residents from travelling to Lira, which she described as far. She further faulted lengthy remand periods and delayed cases.

This was the first time the Dokolo Chief Magistrate’s Court was holding a Court Open Day, allowing court users to interact with different judicial officers and other justice sector actors.

Stakeholders present included the Uganda Police Force, the prosecution department, the Judiciary and the Prisons Service, alongside judicial officers from the Lira main circuit.

While addressing court users, Abodo said there was a need to allow adequate time for them to express their concerns rather than prioritising court officials. She advised resident state attorneys, who serve as lawyers for court users and complainants, that it was improper for them to ask for money.

She reiterated that government pays prosecutors and they must perform their duties accordingly, noting that only private legal practitioners are permitted to charge legal fees.

“The Constitution puts us in a situation where we are supposed to be working for you. We are meant to serve you. We are meant to dispense justice for you”, Abodo told the gathering.

Clan leaders who often act as mediators were also commended for their contribution to the administration of justice.

“Where we are going at the moment as a judiciary is to see that we concentrate on the alternative justice system,” she said.

She urged the police not to intimidate witnesses, who are essential to their work.

“How do you go about arresting everyone, detain them for three days, and release them? How will you call them back to testify as your witnesses? They will not”, Abodo told the police officers and the prosecutors responsible for sanctioning files.

She added that the President had been misunderstood regarding the issue of court bail in capital offences such as murder.

She emphasised that the President wants police and prosecutors to complete investigations properly, rather than presenting suspects in court only to state that inquiries are incomplete.

“Produce suspects in court with complete inquiries and even with witnesses and see if court will grant bail,” she added.

She clarified that this did not mean anyone would be denied bail, but complete inquiries allow court procedures to move forward to a conclusion.

During the Court Open Day, the different justice stakeholders mounted exhibitions demonstrating how a case is handled, from the moment it is filed to sentencing and later reintegration of convicts into society. The day also featured entertainment from some inmates.