The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, has told prosecutors to focus on the pursuit of justice rather than fear of losing cases, emphasizing that their pay does not depend on court wins but on their commitment to due process and ethical standards.
Speaking during the Prosecutors' Symposium held at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Abodo encouraged state attorneys and prosecutors to uphold their mandate with confidence. “Your goal is to ensure there is justice. Even if you lost all your cases in an entire month, you are paid 100 percent. That is no problem,” she said, drawing a round of applause from the audience.
The symposium, organized under the theme *“Enhancing Collaboration for Effective and Efficient Prosecution,”* brought together hundreds of prosecutors, judicial officers, law enforcement leaders, and representatives from civil society. The annual event serves as a platform for networking, policy dialogue, skills enhancement, and reflection on the challenges and achievements within Uganda’s criminal justice system.
Abodo urged the participants to ‘chest-thump’ with pride, not over convictions, but over the effort and integrity with which cases are handled. “The outcome of a case should not be the only yardstick for success. If evidence is insufficient that should not demoralize you. What matters is that you did your part diligently,” she added.
She acknowledged the complex environment in which prosecutors work, including limited resources, public pressure, and at times political interference. However, she reiterated the importance of maintaining independence and professionalism in carrying out their duties.
Key sessions at the symposium included discussions on inter-agency collaboration, managing case backlogs, witness protection, digital transformation in prosecution, and ethics in public service. Several panelists also highlighted the need for increased funding for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), capacity building, and better protection for prosecutors handling high-profile or sensitive cases.
The symposium comes at a time when the ODPP is under growing scrutiny to deliver justice swiftly and fairly, particularly in light of rising crime rates and a growing backlog of cases in Uganda’s courts.
With her message, DPP Abodo reminded prosecutors that justice is not a numbers game, but a principled endeavor that requires courage, patience, and integrity.
