With Uganda’s 2026 general elections on the horizon, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, has issued a firm pledge to prosecute electoral offenders without fear or favor, regardless of their political affiliations.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Annual Prosecutors Symposium in Kampala, Abodo sent a clear message: her office will act decisively against anyone who violates electoral laws, whether they are members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) or opposition parties such as the National Unity Platform (NUP).
“As long as there is evidence, we will prosecute. We will not shy away from this,” Abodo declared. “I will give you a shoulder to stand on, and I will defend your actions.”
Her commitment to impartial justice comes at a crucial time when public scrutiny of law enforcement and judicial systems is intensifying in the lead-up to the elections.
Abodo encouraged prosecutors across the country to remain fearless and committed to their constitutional duty, assuring them of her unwavering support—so long as they operate within the bounds of the law.
“Do the right thing, and I will be behind you,” she said. “But when you do the wrong thing, you will stand alone.”
Abodo also noted that her office is well-equipped to handle electoral-related cases, citing the availability of skilled prosecutors and close cooperation with the police.
The symposium’s tone was further shaped by the Dutch Ambassador to Uganda, Her Excellency Fredrieck Quispel, who emphasized the role of prosecutors in safeguarding the integrity of the justice system during politically charged times.
“It is essential for me to mention that as we approach the election season, we are reminded of the vital importance of maintaining public trust in justice institutions,” said Ambassador Quispel.
“In this charged period, the role of the prosecutor becomes even more sensitive and even more important.”
The ambassador expressed concern about reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and selective prosecution—particularly against youth and opposition figures.
While commending Uganda’s active participation in international justice initiatives, she urged the DPP’s office to remain impartial and insulated from political influence.
“The world is watching, but more importantly, your fellow Ugandans are watching,” she said, pledging continued support from the Netherlands in strengthening Uganda’s justice and accountability frameworks.
Adding weight to the discussions, Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus Richard Buteera—himself a former DPP—called on prosecutors to take a more proactive stance in guiding investigations.
He underscored the importance of collaboration with police, witnesses, and judicial officers to ensure cases are built on credible evidence.
“Scientific evidence should be used where possible instead of relying solely on eyewitness accounts,” Buteera advised, encouraging prosecutors to continuously update their knowledge and consult experts when necessary.
The Annual Prosecutors Symposium, now underway in Kampala, runs under the theme “Enhancing Collaboration for Effective and Efficient Prosecution.”
The three-day gathering has drawn prosecutors from across the country, leading to a temporary halt in court hearings of criminal cases that require their presence.
As Uganda moves closer to another crucial electoral cycle, the words of DPP Abodo and other key legal voices offer a glimpse into the kind of justice system the country hopes to uphold—one rooted in fairness, professionalism, and the rule of law.
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