NAKAWA- The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has procured an additional 13 motor vehicles to enhance its prosecutorial work across Uganda.
Today, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo presided over a vehicle handover ceremony at the ODPP’s office in Nakawa, where she presented the vehicles to 13 staff.
The DPP appreciated God for blessing the ODPP noting that the institution has been on a roller coaster with several blessings in the recent past. She further appreciated the Government of Uganda for availing the funds that purchased the vehicles. She informed the ODPP staff that since the government has ensured that the ODPP is well resourced, it is therefore incumbent upon them to do their work.
Ms. Agnes Kainza Nzogi, the Permanent Secretary/Accounting Officer, announced that the ODPP had in the past five years acquired 115 new vehicles with the support of the Government of Uganda. She noted that new vehicles are distributed on the basis of a number of factors including excellent work, the workload of a station, and the of number of stations being supervised. She cautioned the recipients of the vehicles against assuming that they have right of way because of having government motor vehicle numbers, and to be mindful of speed limits.
The recipients of the vehicles include Gulu, Lira and Mbarara Regional Offices, Arua, Kasese, Kagadi, Pallisa, Sheema, Mubende, and Masindi Resident State Attorney (RSA) stations, the International Crimes Department and Transport Office. The ICT Division was also given a vehicle to support the implementation of the Prosecution Case Management Information System (PROCAMIS) all over the country.
Ms. Immaculate Angutoko, the President of Uganda Association of Prosecutors (UAP) appreciated the DPP and Top Management of the ODPP for prioritizing the welfare of prosecutors. She observed that some prosecutors have been experiencing difficulty in discharging their duties due to ineffective
Transportation means. This issue was also emphasized by Ms. Barbara Kawuma, Assistant DPP/Head, Department of Field Operations who stated that the lack of motor vehicles to facilitate movements for purposes of conducting Prosecutorial work is often cited by prosecutors, particularly in upcountry Stations as a significant challenge.
Mr. Douglas Kawalya, the Assistant Sales Manager at MAC East Africa/Isuzu, described the new vehicles as a special kind, highlighting the 1.9 litre diesel Turbocharged engine, gear shift indicator, and several safety features, including Seven airbags.
These vehicles will ease the movement of ODPP staff and criminal case files in the execution of criminal justice in the country.
