The warning came as the ODPP officially opened training for 38 newly recruited prosecutors on Monday in Mbarara, in a programme designed to build capacity, reinforce professionalism, and improve justice delivery across the country.
The induction is part of broader efforts by the prosecution authority to address rising caseloads and increasing public demand for faster and more transparent justice processes.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Lino Anguzu, urged the new officers to uphold discipline and integrity, saying their role requires strong character in addition to legal competence.
“You are called to serve with devotion to the cause, dedication to your duties, and discipline in your conduct,” Anguzu said. “Carry these values into every station where you will serve and stand as worthy representatives of the Office.”
He said the credibility of the prosecution service depends on ethical conduct and professionalism, warning that public trust must be protected at all times.
The strongest caution, however, came from John Baptist Asiimwe, who directly warned the recruits against corruption and partiality in the execution of their duties.
He told the officers that their work must be guided by fairness rather than conviction rates, stressing that justice is centred on victims rather than institutional performance targets.
“Learn, unlearn, and relearn as the demands of justice evolve,” Asiimwe said. “Your true client is the victim of crime, and your work must be guided by fairness, not the pursuit of convictions.”
He also cautioned that ethical compromise, including corruption, poses a serious threat to prosecutorial independence and the credibility of the justice system.
The Permanent Secretary in the ODPP, Agnes Khainza, said the induction is critical in preparing new officers for public service and embedding institutional values.
“You serve as ministers of justice, and your words, decisions, and conduct carry the voice of the Office itself,” Khainza said. “Serve with honour, wisdom, and integrity.”
She emphasized that strengthening professional capacity remains essential to improving public confidence in the justice system and ensuring effective service delivery.
Support for the programme was also highlighted by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), which is partnering with the ODPP to enhance rule of law initiatives.
Programs Manager Samson Asiimwe said the induction will equip prosecutors with the skills needed to manage cases effectively and expand access to justice nationwide.
He said strengthening human resource capacity within the ODPP is key to improving service delivery at both regional and district levels.
Officials noted that the induction covers legal practice, ethics, case handling, and public service responsibility, with the recruits expected to be deployed across different parts of the country after training.
The DPP said the programme is part of ongoing reforms aimed at professionalising prosecutorial services and reinforcing ethical standards within the justice sector.
As Uganda grapples with increasing case backlogs and growing demand for timely justice, authorities say the new cohort of State Attorneys will play a key role in improving efficiency, reducing delays, and restoring public confidence in the criminal justice system.