New Leadership in Uganda’s Government and Judiciary
Uganda has welcomed a new wave of leadership in its government and judiciary. Justice Aisha Naluzze, the newly appointed Inspector General of Government, and Lino Anguzu, the new Director of Public Prosecutions, along with Principal Judge Justice Jane Frances Abodo, have all been officially sworn in. The ceremony took place at Mbale State Lodge, where President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presided over the event.
Lady Justice Abodo, who previously served as the Director of Public Prosecutions, was appointed to her current role by the President earlier this year. Her transition from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to the position of Principal Judge marks a significant shift in her career. Alongside her, Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze and her deputies, Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe and Patricia Achan, were also sworn in, signaling a fresh start for key institutions in the country.
President Museveni expressed his satisfaction with the appointments, highlighting the youth, integrity, and professional backgrounds of the new appointees. He praised their potential to bring about positive change.
“I congratulate you on ascending to these high offices. I am glad you are young people. I know some of you individually and I have been following your record. You seem not to be corrupt,” he said.
The President then reflected on Uganda’s long journey to align state institutions with the ideals that guided the nation during its liberation struggle. He pointed out the historical discrepancies between the values of the “bush people” and the structures of the state.
“We destroyed the old army and created a new one. We created a patriotic army that was not corrupt. But we still had a problem with existing structures. The civil service was colonial, corrupt and non-patriotic. The judiciary, the police, even Parliament suffered the same issues until we started getting new people who were more likely to be in line with our idealist ideas.”
President Museveni emphasized that the emergence of a new generation of leaders offers hope for reform and progress. He specifically mentioned Lady Justice Abodo, noting her previous work with the DPP and expressing confidence in her future performance as Principal Judge.
“The coming up of these young people, some of whom I know, is good. For example, Abodo has been in the DPP’s office and she has done some good work. Let me see what she does now that she is Principal Judge,” he said.
The President also spoke about the importance of justice, accountability, and the historical expectations of Ugandan communities. He criticized the colonial structure, which he described as a deformity that was not harmonized with the population.
“Our people have their own views on justice which are very clear and closer to the law of Moses: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. The tribes can forgive, but you must apologize and compensate,” he said.
He added that certain practices within the justice system provoke anger among citizens. For instance, when individuals who commit crimes are granted bail, it leads to conflict with the local population.
“When you have people who promote impunity, when a thief disturbing the village gets bail, the villagers cannot understand. You are in conflict with the population straight away,” he said.
“Why don’t you keep this person in jail and try him quickly, instead of provoking the villagers and disregarding their rights?”
President Museveni concluded by emphasizing the need for harmony between the justice system and the values of Ugandan people.
“That stand-off must end. To have peace in the country, you need full accountability for crimes; otherwise, you will get all sorts of problems,” he warned.
Reactions from Other Officials
Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija also extended his congratulations to Lady Justice Abodo and other appointees. He praised her passion for plea bargaining, both as a judge and as the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“She promoted plea bargaining with passion, both as a judge and as DPP. I have no doubt she will deliver,” he said.
Dr. Zeija advised Lady Justice Abodo to strengthen court inspections, maintain quarterly reviews of magistrate courts, and support special courts for gender-based violence.
“I also congratulate the IGG and her deputies,” he said.
Attendees at the Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, and the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, along with other government officials.