Kampala, Uganda: Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo Okuo Kajuga, a name long associated with integrity, legal reform, and resilience within Uganda’s justice system, has been assigned to serve as the Acting Principal Judge, placing her at the helm of judicial administration in the country.
Her assignment follows the elevation of Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija to Deputy Chief Justice, and she will hold this key office pending a substantive appointment by President Yoweri Museveni, based on recommendations from the Judicial Service Commission.
Early Career and Rise Through the ODPP
Justice Okuo Kajuga’s legal journey spans more than two decades. She began her public service at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), where she steadily rose through the ranks over a 20-year tenure.
At the time of her departure, she held the position of Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, overseeing critical portfolios such as International Cooperation, Extraditions, and Mutual Legal Assistance.
Notably, she served as the ODPP’s first official spokesperson—a role she held for over 14 years, shaping public engagement and media relations for the prosecutorial office during a transformative era.
Her time at the ODPP was marked by her involvement in prosecuting high-stakes corruption and organized crime cases, earning her a reputation for legal precision and unflinching courage.
Judicial Appointment and Anti-Corruption Leadership
In 2019, Justice Okuo was appointed to the High Court and deployed to the Anti-Corruption Division. There, she quickly established herself as a firm, fair, and principled judge. As Deputy Head of the Division, she has presided over some of the country’s most sensitive anti-graft proceedings, handling them with a blend of meticulous legal interpretation and judicial calm.
She has also been pivotal in promoting the Judiciary’s Plea Bargain programme, having been designated its Focal Judge in 2020. The initiative has significantly reduced case backlogs and introduced a participatory model of justice that empowers victims and restores offender accountability.
Champion for Reform and Mediation
Justice Okuo Kajuga is a certified court mediator, attached to the Family Division, and is known for advocating for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms that reduce the strain on courts and promote restorative justice.
Her advocacy extends beyond the courtroom. She is considered a mentor by many young lawyers and a strong voice for professional ethics and gender equity in Uganda’s legal landscape.
Stepping into National Judicial Leadership
With her new role as Acting Principal Judge, Justice Okuo becomes the third most powerful figure in Uganda’s Judiciary, following the Chief Justice and the Deputy Chief Justice. In this capacity, she will oversee the operations of the High Court and subordinate courts, ensuring efficient case management and judicial accountability nationwide.
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, in his official communication, hailed her leadership and expressed confidence in her ability to uphold the Judiciary’s institutional goals.
Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga’s elevation is not just a personal milestone, it marks a broader signal of continuity, reform, and trusted leadership within Uganda’s judicial system.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative anews platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp for realtime updates.
