Jinja- On Friday 12th December 2025, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Lino Anguzu, chaired a high-level ODPP–CID Coordination Meeting in the Jinja Region, aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration and enhancing the effectiveness of criminal justice delivery. The meeting took place at Nile Village Hotel, Jinja District.
Delivering opening remarks, the Regional Officer, Jinja, Assistant DPP Alex Ojok, commended the strong working relationship between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) in the region. He, however, highlighted a critical challenge: the shortage of prosecutors, which continues to impede the timely and effective delivery of justice. This concern was echoed by the Deputy Regional CID Officer, SP Patrick Okello, who underscored the operational strain caused by limited human resources.
The Regional Police Commander, Kiira, SSP Nsaba Charles, called for deeper partnership and tighter coordination between the ODPP and the Police, emphasizing that crime prevention and management are shared institutional responsibilities that require sustained cooperation.
In his presentation, the Deputy DPP in charge of Prosecutions and International Affairs, Mr. Odumbi James Owere, reiterated that the ODPP-CID coordination framework exists to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure both agencies effectively discharge their respective mandates. He urged prosecutors and investigators to adhere strictly to professional standards, particularly in the face of staffing constraints and case backlogs. He stressed that only well-investigated and meritorious cases should be referred for prosecution, cautioning against incarcerating innocent persons due to incomplete investigations. He further warned against the reconciliation of parties in serious criminal matters and emphasised the proper use of plea bargaining as a lawful and efficient tool within the criminal justice system.
Addressing the meeting, the DPP Lino Anguzu delivered a firm and principled message:
“We have a product to deliver to the people of Uganda: criminal justice, law and order, fairness, and the protection of human rights.”
He reminded participants that the constitutional mandate to determine who should be prosecuted rests squarely with the ODPP, and cautioned the Police against rushed arrests, particularly where investigations are incomplete. The DPP challenged both prosecutors and investigators to raise the quality of justice delivered to society, demonstrating professionalism, control, and clarity of purpose in their work.
“If we prioritize cases and work in an organized manner, we can significantly reduce case backlog and decongest our prisons,” he emphasized.
He further issued a strong warning against human rights abuses and corruption, calling for integrity, accountability, and discipline across all stages of the criminal justice process.
The meeting concluded with robust and candid deliberations on key challenges and best practices in the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases, reaffirming the shared commitment of the ODPP and CID to improving justice delivery in the Jinja Region and beyond.
