DPP Abodo calls for evidence-based cases as detectives, prosecutors boost collaboration in justice delivery
“Every case we handle carries the weight of a victim’s hope, a community’s safety, and a nation’s trust in the criminal justice system,” the DPP was quoted as saying during the meeting in Jinja.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo stressed that the meeting’s purpose was to harmonise investigative and prosecutorial processes to ensure that every case reaching court is grounded in strong evidence, thorough preparation, and co-ordinated effort. (Courtesy Photo)
By Umar Kashaka
Journalists @New Vision
MASAKA - State prosecutors and Police detectives have met in the regions of Masaka and Jinja.
The meetings on July 31, 2025, and August 1, in Masaka and Jinja, respectively, aimed at enhancing the synergy between investigations and prosecutions to improve service delivery.
While chairing the co-ordination meetings, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo stressed that the meeting’s purpose was to harmonise investigative and prosecutorial processes to ensure that every case reaching court is grounded in strong evidence, thorough preparation, and co-ordinated effort.
Kiira Police region commander Charles Nsaba. (Courtesy Photos)
According to the DPP office's statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Abodo emphasised that the collaboration between investigators and prosecutors is not merely procedural but a solemn responsibility to the people of Uganda.
“Every case we handle carries the weight of a victim’s hope, a community’s safety, and a nation’s trust in the criminal justice system,” the DPP was quoted as saying during the meeting in Jinja.
Deputy DPP in charge of international affairs and prosecutions James Owere Odumbi highlighted key challenges such as delays in investigations, witness management, reconciliation processes, data handling, and enforcement of arrest warrants.
Kiira Police region commander Charles Nsaba underscored the importance of partnership in achieving peace, security, and effective justice.
Alex Ojok, the Jinja Region ODPP officer.
Alex Ojok, the Jinja ODPP regional officer, decried resource constraints, citing limited funds for witness management and a shortage of prosecutors.
He said only 18 prosecutors are serving alongside 35 judicial officers.
The meeting was officially closed by Robert Semwogerere, the undersecretary of the ODPP, who urged all stakeholders to remain resolute in their collective fight against crime.
The ODPP is mandated to guide the Police investigations and prosecute criminal cases in all courts of competent jurisdiction apart from the Court Martial.
By virtue of its mandate, therefore, the ODPP is responsible for guiding investigations and prosecuting corruption-related cases that are received from all the Police stations in the country, including CID headquarters, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the State House Health Monitoring Unit, among others.
Masaka East region Police Commander Ezra Tugume.
Prosecute evidence-based cases
ODPP regional officer for Masaka, Assistant DPP Brian Kalinaki decried the absence of a prosecutor in Kalungu, Bukomansimbi, and Lwengo districts due to staff shortages. A similar concern was raised by Masaka East region Police commander Tugume Ezra.
"The DPP underscored the importance of only prosecuting cases supported by sufficient evidence. She emphasised professionalism, integrity, and coordination as pillars for building public trust.
Justice Abodo noted, “Every case we handle represents a victim seeking justice, a community seeking safety, and citizens seeking confidence in the justice system.” She also encouraged more frequent community engagement by the justice actors".