The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Frances Abodo, has firmly rejected proposals from some Members of Parliament (MPs) to take over cases of civilians charged before the Court Martial.
Abodo, appearing before the parliamentary committee of legal affairs during her presentation of the 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper for the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution emphasized her commitment to adhering to constitutional boundaries, which prohibit interference in military court proceedings.
Her remarks were in response to a question raised by Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa who tasked her to consider taking over cases of civilians being charged before the Court Martial.
In his submission, Basalirwa insisted that the DPP reconsider a provision in the constitution to supervise the court proceedings dispatching her power to make major decisions during these hearings.
“We invited the DPP to seriously consider that provision and see whether the office can move to takeover proceedings and discontinue proceedings in the Court Martial, especially relating to the trial of civilians,” Basalirwa stated.
Basalirwa urged her to reconsider her stance, arguing that such a move could enhance fairness within the military judicial system.
DPP Abodo highlighting the Ugandan Constitution assented to her responsibilities as the DPP as enshrined in Article 120.
However, she argued that the same law restricted her office from engaging in court-martial cases.
“I want to stay in my lane,” she said in reinforcing her understanding of the legal framework governing her role.
“You will forgive me that I may not comment on that case because the next question is that I comment on those cases, I may not comment because it is a case in the Supreme Court as well, so, you will just excuse me for that otherwise, I may be quoted or misquoted and then the subjudice rule gets me,” Abodo added.
Meanwhile, Article 120 of the Ugandan Constitution establishes the role of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP is responsible for directing criminal investigations, initiating criminal proceedings, and continuing or discontinuing criminal proceedings.
DPP Abodo maintained that her understanding of the Article 120 was different from that of the members of Parliament.
She however, informed the public of her office’s dedication in maintaining high standards in criminal prosecutions emphasizing that justice must be served fairly and effectively, regardless of the court in question.
These developments follow the ongoing dialogue about the connection of military and civilian judicial processes in Uganda, based on the trial of Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale at the General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala, with the two facing charges of treachery.
