The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has today September
12, 2025, 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, 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.
