President Museveni has urged Uganda’s new justice leaders to champion a justice system that reflects the aspirations and values of ordinary citizens, emphasizing that true peace depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for local notions of justice.
The President made the remarks on Sunday while presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed judicial and accountability officials at Mbale State Lodge.
Those sworn in included Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, who officially assumed office as Principal Judge after serving as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) since 2020.
Also taking oaths were Hon. Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze, the new Inspector General of Government (IGG), her deputies Ms. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe and Ms. Patricia Achan, alongside Mr. Lino Anguzu, who succeeds Abodo as Director of Public Prosecutions.
President Museveni congratulated the appointees, commending their integrity, youth, and professionalism.
“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.
He reflected on Uganda’s decades-long effort to reform state institutions to match the ideals of the liberation struggle, noting that while progress has been made in building a patriotic army, other sectors such as the civil service, judiciary, and police still bear remnants of colonial inefficiency and corruption.
“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. 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.”
The President said the appointment of a new generation of leaders like Justice Abodo gives hope for deeper reform.
“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.
In his speech, President Museveni delved into the historical and cultural foundations of justice in Uganda, contrasting colonial systems with traditional community-centered approaches.
“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 that some judicial practices—such as granting bail to habitual offenders—undermine public trust.
“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. Why don’t you keep this person in jail and try him quickly, instead of provoking the villagers and disregarding their rights?”
Museveni emphasized the need to reconcile Uganda’s justice system with the moral expectations of its citizens.
“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 warned.
He concluded by congratulating the appointees and wishing them success.“I congratulate you and wish you good luck.”
Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija also congratulated Justice Abodo and the other officials, noting her strong record in promoting judicial reforms.
“She promoted plea bargaining with passion, both as a judge and as DPP. I have no doubt she will deliver,” he said.
He urged her to prioritize court inspections, quarterly reviews of magistrates’ performance, and the strengthening of special courts for gender-based violence.
The event was attended by Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Head of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe, and several senior government officials.
