The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) has promoted 15 Senior State Attorneys to the rank of Chief State Attorneys in an effort to preserve justice and the rule of law in Uganda.

The development was confirmed in a press statement released on June 10, 2024, by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

“This milestone marks the officers’ transition to commissioners in the public service, where they will play a pivotal role in upholding justice and the rule of law in our society,” the statement read in part.

The officers have been at the rank of senior state attorney for over nine years.

According to the office of the DPP, the role of a Chief State Attorney is to assist the head of a department at headquarters, head a unit or district office, or help a regional office with daily administrative tasks.

“The key duties and responsibilities of the chief of staff attorney include directing the police to investigate information of a criminal nature, advising and guiding the police and other government departments on the conduct of criminal investigations and prosecutions, examining and advising on cases that need the consent of the DPP before prosecution and those requiring withdrawal, reviewing the decision to prosecute or not to prosecute, coordinating, supervising, and conducting prosecutions within a district or region, and prosecuting criminal cases and appeals in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court,” ODPP stated.

The promoted officers include Jacquelyn Okui, Nelly Asiku, Cate Basuuta, Irene Nakimbugwe, Baxter David Bakibinga, Richard Muhereza, Josephine Aryong, Safina Bireke, Janet Annet Nabulobi, Innocent Obale, Amuza Muzige, Charlotte Kwikiriza, Danx Julius Tuhairwe, Sheron Sarah Nambuya, and Jackline Kyasimire.