New state attorneys warned on dress code, discipline

Mar 13, 2015

The DPP warns newly recruited male state attorneys against embarrassing the institution by wearing socks with holes.


By Francis Emorut                                                    

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Justice Mike Chibita has warned newly recruited male state attorneys against embarrassing the institution by wearing socks with holes.

Chibita was speaking during an induction workshop for new state attorneys at Statistics House in Kampala.

"You should not wear socks will holes as this will embarrass the directorate.”

He cited the late South Africa President Nelson Mandela who was pictured wearing torn socks during the Apartheid struggle as something that caught global attention.

Justice Chibita also asked new female state attorneys to wear appropriate shoes that will not distract the attention of the public during the course of their duties.

The 95 newly recruited state attorneys were also warned against engaging in corrupt tendencies as it will damage the integrity of judiciary, and instead dispense justice without fear and favour.

"We are not going to tolerate anyone who is involved in corruption. We shall sack you," Charles Elem Ogwal, the deputy DPP in charge of prosecution and quality assurance said.

‘Do research’


Ogwal was referring to state attorneys accepting bribes from members of the public to influence the judicial process.

In similar spirit, his boss Chibita also warned the public not to tempt the new state attorneys by offering them bribes to influence prosecution in favour of accused persons.

"The public should not compromise the judicial officers by giving bribes.
 


The new judicial officers were told on dress code and professional discipline. (Photo credit: Francis Emorut)


"You will be called upon to take professional decisions – whether to sanction a file on manslaughter or murder or not. Do research and avoid indulging in accepting bribes or else you will be perceived as a corrupt officer."

Chibita, who joined the ministry of constitutional affairs and attorney general office in 1990 in the directorate of litigation, implored the new judicial officers to be disciplined and uphold the professional ethical standards.

‘Wrong place’

The new judicial officers were also told to serve the public with humility and not with arrogance.

Chibita appealed to them to look for jobs elsewhere especially in Kikuubo – the city's busiest trading centre – where business people make millions of money, if they feel they can’t take the salary offered.

New state attorneys are paid sh1.2m (gross) per month.

"If you have come to look for money, you are in a wrong place. We never join public service to look for money. If you really want to make money go to Kikuubo – it will be the right place for you.

“If you find that you can't live within this means then the best thing for you is to take another job."
 


The new state attorneys pose for a group photo. (Photo credit: Francis Emorut)


The judge advised the new public officers that in order to be successful in public prosecution they should keep time, maintain good dress code, be disciplined, value integrity and being courteous.

New state attorneys take on issues raised


Simon Asiimwe said he will uphold the integrity of the public prosecution by not accepting bribes. "By joining law studies I wanted to act like a professional lawyer and I will maintain that.

"As a person I have values and aspirations. It would be absurd to take bribes from the offenders and I will not do it," said Shalotte Nanziri.

On her part, Priscilla Nyakake said: "We are professionals. We can't act contrary to the code of conduct that binds us. We have integrity to protect and we are seeking to serve the public and eliminate crime.”

Flavia Jamila noted that she will not abandon the law profession in preference to business in Kikuubo.

"I am not willing to abandon the profession. I studied law for five years and will not run to Kikuubo to do business. Otherwise if I had wanted to do business I would have gone to Kikuubo," she vowed.

Edwin Amanya pointed out that he will not be comprised but will serve the public with enthusiasm and reject bribes.
 

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