The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has renewed calls for integrity, accountability, and professionalism within Uganda’s justice system during the Annual Prosecutors’ Symposium 2026 held in Kampala. Senior government officials and justice sector stakeholders warned that corruption and abuse of office among prosecutors continue to undermine public trust and weaken confidence in the country’s legal institutions.

More than 200 prosecutors and justice sector stakeholders have gathered at Hotel Africana in Kampala for the Annual Prosecutors’ Symposium 2026 aimed at strengthening professionalism and improving prosecution services across the country.

Held under the theme “Enhancing Professionalism for Responsive Prosecution Services,” the symposium brought together officials from government, international justice organizations, and development partners.

The symposium was officially opened by the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye, who strongly condemned corruption and abuse of office within the justice system.

She warned prosecutors against compromising their integrity, saying corruption within prosecution services weakens justice delivery and erodes public confidence in government institutions.

Nakyobe further urged prosecutors to remain committed to fair, transparent, and timely justice, emphasizing that professionalism is critical in strengthening the rule of law.

Meanwhile, Gabby Massey, the Country Director of the Human Trafficking Institute, commended the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for its continued partnership in combating trafficking in persons and strengthening justice systems.

She applauded the leadership of the ODPP for promoting professionalism and improving prosecution standards in Uganda.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Lino Anguzu, reminded prosecutors that every case file represents a human life and called for a justice system that remains both firm and humane.

Anguzu cautioned that lack of professionalism damages the credibility of institutions and weakens public trust in the justice system.

He also challenged prosecutors to continuously build capacity in handling emerging crimes such as cybercrime, financial fraud, and complex investigations.

Representatives from international justice organizations also reaffirmed their support toward strengthening prosecution services in Uganda.

Ms. Wamaitha Kimani from the International Justice Mission emphasized the importance of collaboration in improving access to justice and protecting vulnerable communities.

At the same event, Winnie Jeptum Bargoria from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime commended the ODPP for creating a platform that promotes professional exchange and institutional growth within prosecution services.

She also reaffirmed UNODC’s continued partnership with Uganda’s justice sector.

The symposium concluded with renewed calls for prosecutors to uphold integrity, accountability, and professionalism as Uganda works to strengthen public trust in the justice system.