Angutoko re-elected Uganda Association of Prosecutors president

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Immaculate Angutoko has been re-elected for a second term as the president of the Uganda Association of Prosecutors (UAP).

This was during the association’s annual general meeting held at Fontis Residence Hotel in Kampala on Saturday (December 13).

Angutoko edged Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Alex Bagada in the hotly contested polls.

She thanked the prosecutors for again entrusting her with the office.

"I promise to continue with the advocacy, which has since seen our salaries enhanced and getting tax waivers on our salaries,” Angutoko said in her maiden speech after re-election.

Harriet Adongo was elected the association's vice-president, while Fatinah Nakafeero sailed through unopposed for the position of secretary general.

DPP structure 'pertinent issue'

During the meeting, the prosecutors rejected the new structure of the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), arguing that it has sidelined them.

“The department of prosecution was scrapped from the new structure. Right now, we don’t know where we belong as prosecutors. How can you place us in the department of field? We shall not accept this," said Baxton Baguma, former president of the association.

"We need a department that touches our work."

In response, DPP Lino Anguzu said he is making consultations over the matter.

“The new structure has become a pertinent issue. However, it is one of the top priorities for me. I am still getting to the bottom of it, and I will soon approach you. So, this shouldn’t scare you."

Anguzu urged the prosecutors to uphold fairness and impartiality in making prosecutorial decisions.

“We have a new vision for a crime-free society and a mission of professionalism, respect and winning public trust. I urge you to put this mind in whatever you do."

In regard to disturbance fee, the DPP promised to engage with permanent secretary Agnes Kainza Nzogi over the matter.

'Get out of isolation'

Former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, also the patron of the prosecutors association, urged the prosecutors to embrace self-care to overcome vicarious trauma arising out of their work.

This type of trauma involves profound emotional or psychological effects from repeated exposure to graphic details of others’ horrific crimes, leading to PTSD-like symptoms, burnout, compassion fatigue, anxiety among others.

“Vicarious trauma is real for the prosecutors and judicial officers because we are exposed to distressing materials such as horrific crime scene photos. We listen to the victims' stressing accounts, among others. We have a lot of workload.

Therefore, we should embrace exercises after work, attend prayer groups, celebrate events, participate in communal activities, among others. For this is the solution. Get out of isolation,” urged Buteera.

The former deputy CJ said it is important for prosecutors and judicial officers to seek mental health support. “If you see some signs of distress, seek the support of a mental health practitioner to avert mental health-related complications."

Buteera also spoke of the importance of deliberate institutional mechanisms to avert mental-related risks on employees.

“It is important to promote a positive and conducive workplace culture. I, therefore, implore the new DPP to take up this as serious matter."

'Backbone'

The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Dr Patricia Achan, also had something to tell the prosecutors.

“You are the backbone of a credible justice system that we have. It is imperative that you carry out your work with fairness, utmost integrity and professionalism,” she said.

Urging the prosecutors to shun corruption, Achan noted that the vice is hindering Uganda's socio-economic progress.

“Government allocates substantial monies to every department. However, for example, we have discovered that a number of local governments are putting corruption in their work plans. We should, therefore, focus on these crimes because it is our duty to supervise investigations of crimes in this country."

With new IGG Aisha Naluzze Batala having both prosecutorial and judicial background, Achan said they are determined to weed out corruption.

She commended the ODPP for closely working with the Inspectorate of Government in prosecution of corruption-related matters.

Annet Tuheisomwe, an assistant commissioner at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), commended prosecutors from ODPP for the cordial collaboration that has eased their work.

“You have opened our visibility and as we speak now, we have no case backlog. We should therefore continue with this spirit."

Joseph Kyomuhendo, the retiring treasurer of the association, urged all the prosecutors to embrace the association because of its core values that benefit all of them.

Apart from advocating for the plight of the prosecutors, the association also provides for the education needs of the children of its departed colleagues.

Gabrielle Massey, the country director of Human Trafficking Institute (HTI), underscored the importance of institutional policies on managing vicarious trauma for the prosecutors.

“I was a prosecutor in the US specialising in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), but for sure vicarious trauma is a serious issue in this field. We shall therefore continue to support you in this area."