Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo sworn in as the first-ever female Principal Judge of Uganda

Uganda needs harmony between the justice system and the values of its people, said President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at Mbale State Lodge on Sunday as he presided over the swearing in ceremonies for the new Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, along with new appointees to the roles of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and Inspector General of Government (IGG) and deputies.

The arrival of a new generation of leaders offered hope for reform, said President Museveni, who congratulated the new appointees on ascending to high offices, and praised their youth, professional backgrounds, and integrity.

“Therefore, the coming up of these young people, some of whom I know, is good,” said the President. “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.”

A graduate of Makere University, with an LLM from Trinity College Dublin, Lady Justice Adobo began her legal career as a trainee state attorney, rising through the ranks at the DPP before being appointed a High Court Judge in February 2018.

For the past five years, leading up to her appointment as Uganda’s first-ever female Principal Judge, Lady Justice Abodo has served as the Director of Public Prosecutions. During her time at the DPP office in various roles and ranks, she also led the plea bargaining programme, and headed up the Anti-Corruption Desk.

The Female Lawyers Network (FLN) extended its heartfelt congratulations to Lady Justice Abodo on her “well-deserved appointment”, noting it was a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice, distinguished service at the office of the DPP, and her exemplary leadership in advancing justice and the rule of law.

“We celebrate this milestone not only as a personal achievement but also as a source of inspiration to women and young lawyers in the legal profession and to the nation at large,” said Dr Joyce Nalunga Birimumaaso, President of FLN. “As women lawyers, we are confident that under your stewardship, the judiciary will continue to uphold fairness, integrity, and access to justice for all. We look forward to working in partnership with your office in advancing justice, gender equality, equity, and the protection of rights, particularly for women and marginalised communities.”

When Abodo’s appointment was first announced in August, the Talented Women Network, a non-profit organisation aiming to shape Africa’s future through innovation and leadership, noted Abodo led with integrity as Director of Public Prosecutions, driving anti-corruption efforts and achieving Uganda’s highest conviction rates. 

“Her rise from pupil state attorney to the third-highest judicial office reflects both excellence and resilience,” said the Talented Women Network. “Her appointment not only breaks a long-standing barrier in Uganda’s judiciary but also highlights the growing recognition of women shaping justice and governance across Africa.”

The position of Principal Judge is the third highest in the hierarchy of Uganda’s judiciary, following the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice. Lady Justice Adobo’s predecessor as Principal Judge, Justice Flavian Zeija, was elevated to the position of Deputy Chief Justice earlier this year. He congratulated Lady Justice Abodo and other appointees: Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze as IGG, her deputies. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe and Patricia Achan, and Lino Anguzu as the new DPP.

“She promoted plea bargaining with passion, both as a judge and as DPP,” said Justice Zeija about Lady Justice Abodo’s background, while advising her to strengthen court inspections, maintain quarterly reviews of magistrate courts and support special courts for gender- based violence. “I have no doubt she will deliver.”

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice-Chancellor of Makere University, also offered his congratulations to the five appointees to high office, all of whom are alumni of the university and graduates of The Law School of Makerere University.