Museveni commended the appointees for their youth, integrity, and clean track record, but reminded them that the biggest threat to justice is impunity, which breeds public anger and weakens the rule of law.
Mbale, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned against the growing culture of impunity within Uganda’s justice system, urging newly appointed judicial and accountability officials to deliver people-centred justice that restores public trust and upholds the ideals of the liberation struggle.
The Head of State was speaking on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Mbale State Lodge, where he presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the new Principal Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the Inspector General of Government (IGG) Hon. Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze, her deputies Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe and Patricia Achan, and the new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mr. Lino Anguzu.
Lady Justice Abodo, who replaces Dr Flavian Zeija, previously served as Director of Public Prosecutions, a position she held until her recent appointment by the President in August this year.
In his address, President Museveni commended the appointees for their youth, integrity, and clean track record, but reminded them that the biggest threat to justice is impunity, which breeds public anger and weakens the rule of law.
“I congratulate you on ascending to these high offices. I am glad you are young people, and I know some of you personally. You seem not to be corrupt,” Museveni said.
“However, impunity is one of the biggest problems we must deal with. When a thief disturbing the village gets bail, the people lose faith in the justice system. Why not keep this person in jail and try them quickly instead of provoking the villagers?”
The President emphasized that the justice system must reflect the moral values of Ugandans, which prioritize accountability, compensation, and reconciliation over bureaucracy and delay.
“The colonial justice structure was a deformity, not harmonized with the people,” he said. “Our communities believe in justice that involves restitution and apology. To achieve peace, we must ensure full accountability for crimes. That stand-off between the courts and the population must end.”
Calls for Institutional Reform, Generational Renewal
Mr Museveni used the occasion to reflect on Uganda’s institutional evolution since the liberation struggle, saying that while the army had been successfully transformed into a patriotic institution, other state organs, including the civil service, judiciary, and police, were still recovering from colonial and post-independence distortions.
“We destroyed the old army and created a patriotic one. But the civil service and judiciary remained colonial, corrupt, and non-patriotic,” he noted. “Now that we have a new generation coming up, including people like Abodo and Lino Anguzu, I am optimistic that we are moving in the right direction.”
The President urged the new team to close the gap between state institutions and the people, stressing that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
“To have peace in the country, we need a justice system that ordinary Ugandans understand and trust. Otherwise, we shall always have discontent.”
Museveni urged the appointees to serve with humility, patriotism, and accountability. “These positions are not for personal gain but for service to Ugandans. Let us build institutions that reflect the aspirations of the people, not the habits of the past,” he said.
He reiterated his confidence in the new leadership, noting that their appointments symbolized the country’s steady shift toward professionalism and ethical governance.
Judiciary Commends Abodo’s Integrity
Deputy Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, who previously served as Principal Judge, congratulated Justice Abodo and the other appointees, praising her as a reform-minded jurist known for her advocacy for plea bargaining, court efficiency, and access to justice.
“She promoted plea bargaining with passion both as a judge and as DPP. I have no doubt she will deliver,” Justice Zeija said, urging her to strengthen court inspections, maintain quarterly performance reviews, and support the expansion of specialized courts for gender-based violence.
The swearing ceremony was attended by Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Head of Public Service Ms Lucy Nakyobe, and other senior government officials.
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