Prosecutors Symposium Addresses Rise in Organized Crime in Uganda

By Phillipa Among Last updated Apr 22, 2024 18

Director Public Prosecution Hon. Lady Justice, Frances Abodo lecturing on the operations of the Office of the Director, Public Prosecutions in Enhancing the functions the functions of the District Security Communities during the Resident District Commissioners, Resident City Commissioners, Deputy Resident Commissioners and Deputy City Commissioners induction retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) Kyankwanzi on 31st July 2022. Photo by PPU/Tony Rujuta.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Frances Abodo Uganda has revealed that Uganda ranks 7th in Africa for the highest number of cases related to organized crimes.

These crimes, driven by financial gain, include activities such as money laundering, drug trafficking, smuggling of migrants, human trafficking, fraud, extortion, counterfeiting, contraband, asset misappropriation, armed robbery, and more.

According to Abodo, the crimes are orchestrated by individuals who are highly connected and intelligent. While these crimes may not be entirely novel, they are now better organized. She cited examples like trafficking in persons and drug trafficking. saying that with advancement of technology, criminals can now perpetrate crimes without ever having direct contact with each other. In fact, perpetrators could be situated in different countries altogether.

Abodo explained that they have convened prosecutors today and for the next two days to familiarize themselves with the nature of crimes prevalent in their respective jurisdictions and to discuss the challenges they encounter.

This annual gathering allows us to bring together prosecutors from various locations, particularly those operating at central and border points. We also involve agencies like the Inspectorate of Government (IGG).

“Our approach encompasses prevention, protection, and forging partnerships. By collaborating in this manner, we aim to better equip our prosecutors to effectively combat organized crime and its ever-evolving complexities. The crimes we face are committed by very well connected and intelligent people, they are not necessarily new but better organized f but because of technology, people can now commit crimes without knowing each other. “she said

Speaking at the three-day Annual Prosecutors Symposium 2024 in Kampala, Abodo stressed the importance of strengthening prosecution capacity to combat both organized and emerging crimes.

She emphasized the dynamic nature of crime and the need to address timely questions regarding prosecution mandates and accountability mechanisms.

In a Luganda interpretation by the office of the DPP Deputy Spokesperson, Irene Nakimbugwe, Abodo’s message echoed the urgency in enhancing the prosecution’s ability to tackle these challenges effectively.

The symposium, themed “Strengthening Capacity for Prosecution to Counter Organized and Emerging Crimes,” serves as a platform to discuss the current and future roles of the Office of the DPP.

Abodo highlighted Uganda’s geographical location with porous borders, which provides opportunities for organized crime to flourish, turning the country into a hub for various types of crime, including cross-border cases.