President Museveni has challenged newly appointed justice and accountability officials to steer Uganda’s institutions toward a more people-centered and trustworthy system that delivers fairness and accountability.
The President made the call on Sunday while presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of key judicial and anti-corruption appointees at Mbale State Lodge.
Among those sworn in were Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the new Principal Judge after serving as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) since 2020; Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze, the new Inspector General of Government (IGG); her deputies Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe and Patricia Achan; and Lino Anguzu, who succeeds Justice Abodo as DPP.
Museveni congratulated the officials, commending their integrity, youth, and professional background.
“I congratulate you on ascending to these high offices. I am glad you are young people. I know some of you individually and I have been following your record. You seem not to be corrupt,” he said.
The President used the ceremony to reflect on Uganda’s long struggle to build institutions rooted in patriotism and public service, saying the country’s governance structures still carry traces of colonial-era corruption and disconnection from the people.
“We have been having a discrepancy between the bush people and the structure of the state,” he said.
“We destroyed the old army and created a new one. We created a patriotic army that was not corrupt. But we still had a problem with existing structures. The civil service was colonial, corrupt and non-patriotic. The judiciary, the police, even Parliament suffered the same issues until we started getting new people who were more likely to be in line with our idealist ideas.”
Museveni said he was optimistic that the new generation of leaders, including Justice Abodo, would help transform Uganda’s justice system into one that reflects national values.
“Therefore, the coming up of these young people, some of whom I know, is good. For example, Abodo has been in the DPP’s office and she has done some good work. Let me see what she does now that she is Principal Judge,” he said.
Museveni called for a justice system that resonates with the moral compass of ordinary Ugandans, saying the country’s colonial structures failed to align with community expectations of fairness and accountability.
“The colonial structure was a deformity. It was not harmonized with the population. Our people have their own views on justice which are very clear and closer to the law of Moses: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. The tribes can forgive, but you must apologize and compensate,” he said.
He expressed concern over what he described as judicial practices that alienate the public.
“When you have people who promote impunity, when a thief disturbing the village gets bail, the villagers cannot understand. You are in conflict with the population straight away,” he said.
“Why don’t you keep this person in jail and try him quickly, instead of provoking the villagers and disregarding their rights?”
The President emphasized that harmony between the justice system and the people’s values was essential for peace and stability.
“That stand-off must end. To have peace in the country, you need full accountability for crimes; otherwise, you will get all sorts of problems,” he said.
He concluded his remarks by congratulating the newly sworn-in officials. “I congratulate you and wish you good luck.”
Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija praised Justice Abodo’s record and expressed confidence in her ability to strengthen judicial performance.
“She promoted plea bargaining with passion, both as a judge and as DPP. I have no doubt she will deliver,” he said.
He encouraged her to continue with judicial reforms, including court inspections, quarterly reviews of magistrate courts, and the promotion of special courts for gender-based violence cases.
The ceremony was attended by Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Head of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe, and several senior government officials.
