KAMPALA– Prosecutors have been urged to prioritize their mental health alongside timely disposal of cases as Ms. Immaculate Angutuko secured a second term as President of the Uganda Association of Prosecutors (UAP).
The call was made during the UAP Annual General Meeting held over the weekend at Fontis Residence Hotel in Kampala, where members also elected new leaders of the association.
In the presidential race, Ms. Angutuko convincingly retained her seat after defeating Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Alex Bagada. Out of 126 votes cast, Angutuko garnered 103 votes, Bagada received 22 votes, while one vote was declared invalid.
Addressing the gathering, former Director of Public Prosecutions and Deputy Chief Justice emeritus, Justice Richard Buteera, emphasized the need for prosecutors to work as a team and pay close attention to their mental well-being.
“You need to always work as a team and carry out regular screenings to identify early signs and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Mandatory referrals should be made to qualified health professionals,” Justice Buteera said.
He further recommended regular transfers within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), particularly for officers handling traumatic cases, to minimize mental health challenges.
“Always prioritize self-care. Participate in communal activities at churches and mosques, and be part of at least one community team where you are stationed to avoid isolation and promote better mental health,” he added.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Lino Anguzu, responded to concerns raised by prosecutors regarding the new ODPP structure, assuring members that management is still studying the matter to arrive at a workable solution.
“We have a new vision for a crime-free society and a mission anchored on professionalism, respect, and winning public trust. I urge you to keep this in mind in everything you do,” Anguzu said.
On issues such as disturbance allowances for prosecutors, the DPP pledged to engage the Permanent Secretary of the ODPP, Ms. Agnes Kainza Nzogi, to address the matter.
Meanwhile, Ms. Gabrielle Massey, the Country Director of the Human Trafficking Institute (HTI), underscored the importance of institutional policies for managing vicarious trauma among prosecutors.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Angutuko thanked members for entrusting her with a second term and pledged to implement more reforms aimed at improving prosecutors’ welfare.
During the meeting, the outgoing Treasurer, Mr. Joseph Kyomuhendo, presented the association’s financial report for the previous year and urged members to remit their subscription fees promptly to enhance the association’s operations.
