President Museveni has appointed Jane Frances Abodo, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), as Uganda’s new Principal Judge, filling the position left vacant after Justice Flavian Zeija’s elevation to Deputy Chief Justice.
Justice Zeija was appointed Deputy Chief Justice earlier this year, succeeding Justice Richard Buteera, who retired in April 2025 upon clocking the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Following Zeija’s promotion, Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga served in an acting capacity as Principal Judge until Abodo’s formal appointment.
Abodo’s elevation marks another historic step in her judicial career. As DPP since 2020, she has been credited with strengthening the prosecution service, pursuing anti-corruption cases, and championing digital reforms.
She now becomes the administrative head of the High Court, responsible for supervising judges and registrars across the country.
It is not yet clear who will replace Abodo at the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.