Construction of sh40bn training academy for prosecutors begins in Nakasongola

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The government, through the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has launched a sh40 billion project to construct Uganda’s first-ever training academy for prosecutors in Nakasongola district.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 12 at Kawondwe village, Kazwama sub-county, in Nakasongola Constituency.

Agnes Kainza Nzogi, the permanent secretary in the Office of the DPP, said the academy will help the department produce better prosecutors through standardised and consistent high-quality training.

She explained that, due to the lack of a dedicated training facility, prosecutors have previously relied on one- or two-week induction courses, which are insufficient.

"When we have this academy in place, we can have our prosecutors here for a month or two, and by the time they leave here, they will be better prosecutors who will be able to dispense justice out there," Kainza said.

The sh40 billion facility will sit on five acres and include staff residences, accommodation for over 100 trainees, and training rooms.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Frances Abodo, who conceived the idea, said the centre will serve not only as a training facility but also as a hub of prosecutorial excellence.

"It will be a place for ethical reflection where we instil values of fairness, impartiality and integrity that must be a trademark of every profession," she said while officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony.

"It is here that we will standardise best practices, culture of continuous learning, and build a unified professional force that serves with skills and honour," Abodo added.

She emphasised the need for prosecutors to constantly evolve, innovate and adapt in response to modern challenges such as cybercrime, human trafficking and transnational crime.

"To combat these threats, we cannot rely on yesterday's tools. We must constantly evolve, innovate, learn and adapt," she said.

George William Byansi, a deputy director in the Office of the DPP, described the groundbreaking as a historic event.

"All government institutions have been having training facilities of their own. It was only us who were moving from one place to another looking for training space," he said.

Byansi noted that it was unsustainable for the department to keep sourcing funds for hotels and transportation.

"Now that we have a home, we have got an opportunity to train more and more of ourselves," he said.

Nakasongola deputy resident district commissioner, Ernest Kaliisa, who represented the district administration, welcomed the academy, saying it would also benefit local residents.

Other benefits of the centre

According to the permanent secretary, the training centre will also:

Improve prosecution skills, particularly in preparing prosecutors to adequately prepare witnesses and guide them through processes.

Promote professionalism as a centre of excellence, transparency, resilience and accountability.

Provide a platform for knowledge sharing, enabling trainees to exchange practices and experiences.

Enhance public trust through the efficient and effective delivery of services.