The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and International Justice Mission (IJM) have intensified efforts to reinforce Uganda’s criminal justice system, placing stronger emphasis on safeguarding women and children from Gender-Based Violence.
At a strategic engagement held today, both institutions focused on strengthening the effectiveness of investigations and prosecutions related to crimes against vulnerable populations.
Discussions centered on addressing systemic gaps, improving coordination across justice sector actors, and ensuring that survivors receive support through trauma-informed and victim-centered approaches.
Wamaitha Kimani highlighted that the collaboration is designed to not only improve justice outcomes but also reduce the prevalence of violence against women and children. She noted that enhancing institutional performance and public trust remains central to the partnership.
DPP Lino Anguzu reaffirmed the ODPP’s commitment to building a more responsive and professional prosecution service. He pointed out that Gender-Based Violence cases form a significant share of the justice system’s workload and require targeted attention and resources.
“Strengthening our response to Gender-Based Violence is essential to building public trust and ensuring justice for the most vulnerable members of our society,” he said.
The two organizations also reiterated their shared goal of promoting accountability and expanding access to justice, particularly for those most at risk. The engagement underscored the importance of sustained collaboration in creating a justice system that is both effective and trusted by the public.
The meeting was also attended by James Owere Odumbi, Deputy DPP; Samali Wakooli, Assistant DPP/Head of the Department of Gender, Children and Sexual Offences; Vicky Nabisenke, Assistant DPP; Dr. Lillian Ayebare, Program Measurement Manager, IJM, and Byron Mwanje, Justice System Program Manager, IJM
The renewed engagement signals a continued joint effort to ensure a safer society where women and children are protected and justice is consistently upheld across Uganda.
