Expression of Interest notice from ODPP

1. BACKGROUND

The 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, under Article 120, created the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (hereinafter referred to as ODPP) as an independent Government body with mandate to direct criminal investigations by the police and to institute and conduct criminal prosecutions in the country. In the execution of its mandate, the ODPP is constitutionally enjoined to have regard to the public interest, the interest of the administration of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process. The mandate of the ODPP is fully recognized and acknowledged in all national policy documents and endeavors, including Uganda's Vision 2040 and the Second National Development Plan (NDP II) where the ODPP is recognized as one of the state institutions responsible for administering justice, maintaining law and order, and promoting the observance of human rights. A National Prosecutions Policy is required to support the ODPP in better actualizing its Constitutional mandate and ensuring more effective and efficient regulation of criminal prosecutions in the country, both in the public and private sector.

2. RATIONALE FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON PROSECUTIONS

Prosecutorial service broadly refers to all endeavors tailored to assist arrive at a just decision or verdict and, in the event of a conviction, a fair sentence based upon the evidence presented while ensuring interests of victims and witnesses are promoted in a balanced and fair manner. The criminal prosecution service is a critical area in the overall administration of justice and has a direct impact on national public safety and security. The 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda provides for the functions of the ODPP that include directing criminal investigations by the police; instituting criminal proceedings against any person or authority in any court with competent jurisdiction other than a court martial; and discontinuing criminal proceedings at any stage before judgment is delivered.

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