President Museveni has appointed Justice Jane Frances Abodo as Uganda’s new Principal Judge, to lead High Court and lower magistrates’ courts across the country.

The appointment, which comes following Justice Flavian Zeija’s elevation to Deputy Chief Justice, positions Abodo as the third most powerful officer in the judiciary hierarchy after the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice.

As Principal Judge, she will now supervise judges and registrars nationwide, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and smooth court operations.

The President’s letter forwarded to Parliament for approval stated that “In exercise of the powers vested in the President by Article 142 (1) of the 1995 Constitution, I have, on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, appointed Lady Justice Abodo Jane Frances as Principal Judge.”

Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga had been acting as Principal Judge for over six months following Zeija’s promotion.

With Abodo’s formal appointment, the High Court now has a permanent administrative head to guide its operations.

Faruk Kirunda, Deputy Presidential Press Secretary, confirmed the appointment today on social media, noting that Abodo’s name and CV have been forwarded to Parliament for approval.

“I hereby confirm that the letter circulating on social media regarding the appointment of Hon. Lady Judge Jane Frances Abodo as the new Principal Judge is authentic,” Kirunda said.

Abodo’s experience in judicial administration having served as Director of Public Prosecutions since 2020, a High Court judge since 2018, Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court prosecutions and spearheaded programs such as Plea Bargaining.

Her appointment is expected to strengthen judicial oversight and administration, ensuring that judges and registrars operate efficiently while upholding the integrity of Uganda’s justice system.