KAMPALA– Prosecutors in the country, under their umbrella body of Uganda Association of Prosecutors (UAP) have been asked always to move with the new technology advancements and embrace team work if they are to succeed in bringing down cases of Human Trafficking.
At UAP’s Annual General Meeting held on Friday, at Fairway Hotel in Kampala , a number of stakeholders who attended, noted that Human Trafficking is one of the highly paying transnational crime which requires concerted efforts, team work and well knowledgeable individuals to curb it.
“Offences of Human Trafficking, often being trans boundary, requires mutual cooperation with law enforcement officers in other jurisdictions. Prosecutors should utilize the existing international and regional frame work to seek international cooperation from other states where relevant evidence may be obtained.” Remarked Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera , at the official opening of the meeting.
He also asked the Prosecutors to work with foreign governments as well as international Agencies to facilitate extradition process.
“Human trafficking is a global phenomenon threatening the existence of man kind. Trends of human trafficking keep on changing Government has responded by enacting several laws which prosecutors have to implement, through holding the perpetrators accountable.”
Lady Justice, Jane Frances Abodo, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), commended UAP top members for the spirit of brotherhood they have always expressed to their colleagues both in times of joy and sorrow.
She reported that as top management prioritized salary enhancement of staff in their recent budget allocations. “
“Before, we had state prosecutors who had stagnated for some years (10 to 20 years) without promotion, we promoted them to the rank of senior state Prosecutors. All seniors were promoted to Chief state Attorneys thereby jumping two ranks.”
Abodo also promised all the Assistant DPPs who have been at that rank for five years and beyond, that once the funds are availed in the next financial year, more promotions and recruitments will be made.
Patricia Okiria, the Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG), noted that there is the need for all government agencies to work hand in hand to suppress corruption which is one of the major catalysts that are facilitating Human Trafficking.
“We can no longer ignore the nexus between corruption and trafficking in persons. Corruption is what makes law enforcement obscure, invisible in its chain. According to Transparency International Report; if it were not for corruption, human trafficking couldn’t have expanded so rapidly in a wake of globalization today.”
She also added that assists in movement of victims across borders of various countries on top of undermining justice and human rights.
Immaculate Angutoko, UAP President, commended fellow prosecutors for the support they have rendered to her team ever since they assumed office.
“Members have positively supported our agenda and all activities. I call upon all those that have not yet joined to come on board and tap in to the wide range of benefits and opportunities enjoyed by our full members.”
During the meeting, outstanding performers were rewarded, the annual financial report was read to the members by the treasury and new resolutions were passed.
The meeting attracted prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and National Forest Authority (NFA).
