The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has embarked on a countrywide mentorship programme targeting prosecutors as part of a strategic effort to reinforce the justice, law and order sector (JLOS) in Uganda.
Launched on August 12, 2025, at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja by Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the Director of Public Prosecution-DPP, said the initiative seeks to enhance the quality, integrity, and effectiveness of prosecutorial services across the country.
Justice Abodo stressed the crucial role prosecutors play beyond administrative duties, emphasizing that every sanctioned file and court submission profoundly affects individuals’ lives and the public’s trust in the justice system.
“Our work forms the foundation of a just society,” she said, highlighting the DPP’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and professional excellence.
Recognizing persistent challenges ranging from case backlogs to evolving legal complexities Justice Abodo announced the mentorship programme as a targeted solution to empower prosecutors with updated knowledge, practical skills, and ethical grounding.
The programme is part of a broader effort by the ODPP to ensure continuous professional development, preparing prosecutors to meet dynamic criminal justice demands effectively.
Sharon Lesa Nyambe, Head of Office for UNODC Uganda, affirmed the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) support, stressing that the programme is not merely a training exercise but a transformative initiative aimed at cultivating a new generation of prosecutors whose advocacy embodies fairness, impartiality, and respect for the rule of law.
The mentorship drive aligns with Uganda’s Justice Law and Order Sector reforms seeking to improve criminal justice outcomes through capacity building and institutional strengthening.
By enhancing prosecutors’ competencies and reinforcing ethical standards, the initiative aims to reduce case delays, improve conviction rates based on sound evidence, and bolster public confidence in judicial processes.
This programme could serve as a blueprint for similar efforts in other JLOS institutions facing resource and capacity constraints.
