Nakasongola – The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has reached a historic milestone as the Director of Public Prosecutions, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, officially broke ground for the construction of the long–awaited Prosecutors’ Academy in Nakasongola.
In her stirring remarks, the DPP described the occasion as the planting of “a seed of transformative change” that will grow into a “tree of knowledge, integrity, and excellence for prosecutors in Uganda.”
She emphasised that the academy represents not only a physical structure but the beginning of a transformative journey to equip prosecutors with the skills, resources, and ethical grounding necessary to uphold the rule of law with distinction.
Tracing the academy’s journey, the DPP recalled that the vision first took shape as a virtual initiative when Her Excellency Kate Airey, the former British High Commissioner, proposed and supported the establishment of the ODPP Virtual Academy, launched in January 2023.
She noted that the groundbreaking of the physical academy now marks the full realisation of that vision.
Justice Abodo highlighted that the Prosecutors’ Academy will serve as a Centre of Excellence, a hub for advanced training, research into emerging crimes, and ethical reflection. “Here we will sharpen legal minds, nurture values of fairness and integrity, standardise best practices, and build a unified prosecutorial force that serves Uganda with both skill and honour,” she said.
The DPP expressed gratitude to the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) for making the foundation of the academy possible, commending the agency’s leadership for recognising that national security is safeguarded not only by force but also through strong institutions of justice. She honoured the late Brigadier General Charles Oluka, former Director General of ISO, for his selfless act of providing the land, describing it as a powerful legacy of inter–agency cooperation.
Speaking at the ceremony held on Friday, Ms. Agnes Kainza Nzogi, Permanent Secretary of the ODPP, projected that the academy will deliver consistent, high–quality training, improve prosecutorial service delivery, and strengthen public trust in the justice system. She revealed that the facility will include modern training spaces and residential accommodation for both trainees and trainers.
Representing the Director General of ISO, Mr. George Baguma underlined the importance of training in enhancing the ODPP’s effectiveness in the administration of justice. In the same spirit, Mr. George William Byansi, Deputy DPP for Inspections, Quality Assurance and Training, commended the DPP for her visionary leadership that continues to propel the ODPP to greater heights.
The event was graced by the Deputy RDC of Nakasongola, Mr. Moses Kaliisa, who invoked Job 22:28 in blessing the project, decreeing enduring success for the ODPP.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the mark stone and the planting of symbolic trees by the DPP, the Permanent Secretary, and the representative of the Director General of ISO, enduring symbols of growth, strength, and justice.
Today’s groundbreaking marks not only the laying of a foundation but the dawn of a new era of prosecutorial excellence, cementing the ODPP’s commitment to building a stronger, and more resilient criminal justice system for Uganda.
