By Namutebi Sumayiya
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo has called upon all the Prosecutors under her office to always take extra care to justice seekers who lack capacity to hire legal representatives.
On officiating the grand opening of three day Annual Prosecutors’ Symposium, 2024 at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Abodo noted that 76 percent of the country’s population stay in rural areas and can’t afford to pay for legal representation.
“When people come to you for help, don’t toss them around by telling them to come back tomorrow when you know you will not help them. Some of them you see at offices without knowing that they sold their animals to get transport.”
“I would like to assure you that if you make the right decision, I will support you. So take the right decisions without fear, favor or malice.”
She therefore warned against those who will act against the set guidelines and procedures and do it at their own risk and once caught they will face the law.
On the issue of organized crime, Abodo noted that such engagements (symposium) are important because they are used as platforms at which all Prosecutors meet; discuss challenges faced on duty and at the same time find possible solutions for them.
“Organized Crime like drug abuse, human trafficking has been here but what has changed is that the criminals are using advanced technology to commit these offences, therefore. To move forward, we need to have more prosecutors who are well trained and well equipped with modern ICT equipment.”
Abodo further added that Uganda is ranked 7th in Africa and 2nd in East Africa when it comes to organised crime, thus the need for immediate intervention.
Dr. Munir Safieldin the Country Representative, UNICEF promised that they are ready to continue working with ODPP and other partners in combating organized crime out of Uganda.
“Child trafficking is a serious crime that still requires effective Prosecution, children require justice and dignity. I call upon development partners like UNICEF to give extra care to this organized crime. We believe that fighting organized crime can be successful through prevention of poverty, investing in social services like education as well as empowering children to resist criminal networks.”
The three day Prosecutors’ Symposium will close on Wednesday this week and Hon Nobert Mao the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs is expected to be the guest of honor.
The theme this year is “Strengthening Capacity building for Prosecution to counter organized and Emerging Crimes.”