Mbale — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presided over the swearing-in of Uganda’s new Principal Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, at Mbale State Lodge.
Lady Justice Abodo, who previously served as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), was appointed to her new position by the President in August this year.
Also sworn in were Hon. Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze as Inspector General of Government (IGG), her deputies Ms Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe and Ms Patricia Achan, and Mr Lino Anguzu as Director of Public Prosecutions.
President Museveni congratulated the appointees, commending their youth, integrity, and professional track record. “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 reflected on Uganda’s long-standing efforts to align state institutions with the ideals of the liberation struggle.
“We have been having a discrepancy between the bush people and the structure of the state,” he noted. “We created a patriotic army that was not corrupt. But we still had a problem with existing structures—the civil service, judiciary, police, even Parliament—until we started getting new people who align with our ideals.”
President Museveni expressed optimism that the new generation of leaders would drive meaningful reform. “The coming up of these young people, some of whom I know, is good. Abodo has done good work at the DPP’s office. Let me see what she does now that she is Principal Judge,” he said.
He also spoke about justice, accountability, and Uganda’s cultural perspectives on law, emphasising the need to harmonise the formal justice system with the people’s expectations.
“Our people have clear views on justice—closer to the law of Moses: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. The tribes can forgive, but you must apologise and compensate,” he explained.
The President cautioned against practices that promote impunity, such as granting bail to habitual offenders, which he said alienates the justice system from the public.
“When a thief disturbing the village gets bail, villagers cannot understand. You are in conflict with the population,” he said. “To have peace in the country, you need full accountability for crimes; otherwise, you will get all sorts of problems.”
He concluded by congratulating the appointees and wishing them success in their new roles.
Deputy Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija also commended Justice Abodo, noting her passion for plea bargaining and her commitment to judicial reform.
“I have no doubt she will deliver,” he said, advising her to strengthen court inspections, maintain quarterly reviews of magistrate courts, and support special courts for gender-based violence.
The ceremony was attended by Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Ms Lucy Nakyobe, and other senior government officials.