Abodo sworn in as Principal Judge alongside new DPP, IGG

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for harmony between Uganda’s justice system and the values of its people, saying justice should reflect community expectations of accountability.

Speaking on Sunday, November 9, at Mbale State Lodge, where he presided over the swearing-in of the country’s new Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the President congratulated her and other appointees, commending their youth, integrity and professional record.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni poses for a photo with the Uganda’s new Inspector General of Government Hon. Lady Aisha Naluze, after taking oath during the swearing in ceremony at the State Lodge Mbale on November 09, 2025.

 

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni poses for a photo with the Uganda’s Deputy Inspector General of Government Ann Twinomugisha Muhairwe, after taking oath during the swearing in ceremony at the State Lodge Mbale on November 09, 2025.

“I congratulate you on ascending to these high offices. I am glad you are young people. I know some of you individually, and I have been following your record. You seem not to be corrupt,” he said.

Lady Justice Abodo, formerly the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), replaces Justice Flavian Zeija, who now serves as Deputy Chief Justice. Others sworn in included Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze as Inspector General of Government, her deputies Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe and Patricia Achan, and Lino Anguzu as the new Director of Public Prosecutions.

Reflecting on Uganda’s institutional history, President Museveni said the country had long struggled to align state structures with the ideals that shaped the liberation movement.

“We have been having a discrepancy between the bush people and the structure of the state,” he said.

“We destroyed the old army and created a new one. We created a patriotic army that was not corrupt. But we still had a problem with existing structures... until we started getting new people who were more likely to be in line with our idealist ideas.”

He said the new generation of judicial leaders gave hope for reform. “Therefore, the coming up of these young people, some of whom I know, is good. For example, Abodo has been in the DPP’s office, and she has done some good work. Let me see what she does now that she is Principal Judge.”

The President also revisited the question of justice and accountability, criticising practices that alienate citizens from the justice system.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni poses for a photo with the Uganda’s new Director of Public Prosecutions Lino Anguzu, taking oath during the swearing in ceremony at the State Lodge Mbale on November 09, 2025.

 

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni poses for a photo with The Uganda’s Deputy Inspector General of Government Patricia Achan, after taking oath during the swearing in ceremony at the State Lodge Mbale on November 09, 2025.

“When you have people who promote impunity, when a thief disturbing the village gets bail, the villagers cannot understand,” he said. “Why don’t you keep this person in jail and try him quickly, instead of provoking the villagers and disregarding their rights?”

He added: “To have peace in the country, you need full accountability for crimes; otherwise, you will get all sorts of problems."

Deputy Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija congratulated Lady Justice Abodo, praising her record of promoting plea bargaining.

“She promoted plea bargaining with passion, both as a judge and as DPP. I have no doubt she will deliver,” he said, urging her to strengthen court inspections and support special courts for gender-based violence.