New Leadership for Uganda’s Prosecution Service
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced a significant leadership change in Uganda’s prosecution arm. Lino Anguzu has been appointed as the new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), stepping into a role that guides the country’s criminal justice strategy and prosecutions. The announcement signals continuity in administrative strength at the helm of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and comes as the office continues to play a central role in shaping Uganda’s justice system.
Formal Appointment and Approval Process
The President has forwarded Anguzu’s name to Parliament’s Appointments Committee for approval, a standard step in Uganda’s constitutional process for senior constitutional offices. The former Assistant DPP, Anguzu now faces the scrutiny and confidence of Parliament before he can officially assume the duties of the DPP. The development was confirmed via a statement from Sandor Walusimbi, Senior Press Secretary to the President, underscoring the government’s intention to ensure a smooth transition in the office.
From Assistant DPP to DPP: A Career Trajectory
Anguzu has long been embedded in the DPP’s office. Since February 2019, he has served as the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, a role that has provided him with extensive experience in prosecutorial strategy, case management, and senior leadership. Earlier in his career, he worked as a State Attorney within the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, a position that helped him acquire the hands-on experience needed to navigate Uganda’s complex legal and criminal justice landscapes. This progression from State Attorney to Assistant DPP to DPP indicates a steady climb through the ranks based on expertise, judgment, and a track record of handling high-profile cases.
What Anguzu’s Appointment Means for Uganda
Taking over from Justice Jane Frances Abodo, who was recently appointed Principal Judge, Anguzu inherits a DPP office that is pivotal to upholding the rule of law, advancing anti-corruption efforts, and ensuring fair and efficient prosecutions. As DPP, Anguzu will oversee prosecutions across the country, steer policy implementation within the office, and work closely with other arms of government to strengthen the country’s criminal justice system. Critics and supporters alike will be watching how Anguzu steers decisions on high-stakes cases, the prioritization of resources, and the office’s approach to reform in line with evolving legal standards and international best practices.
Implications for the Judiciary and Public Trust
The DPP’s office is often described as Uganda’s prosecutorial nerve center. With Anguzu at the helm, stakeholders expect continued emphasis on efficacy, transparency, and accountability. The leadership change could influence how prosecutorial decisions align with ongoing reforms in the judiciary, including case backlog reduction, enhanced case management, and improved collaboration with law enforcement agencies. In a climate where public trust in institutions is closely tied to the perceived fairness and speed of prosecutions, Anguzu’s leadership will be closely scrutinized by civil society, legal professionals, and the general public.
Next Steps
Pending parliamentary approval, Anguzu will assume the duties of DPP and begin planning for strategic priorities in the coming years. His leadership will likely focus on strengthening prosecutorial capacity, defending the integrity of the courtroom process, and ensuring that Uganda’s prosecutions reflect both the letter of the law and the country’s commitment to justice and accountability. As the President forwards his name for final approval, Ugandans will await a confirmed DPP who can navigate complex crime patterns, emerging legal challenges, and the expectations of a public that seeks timely, fair prosecutions.
