DPP Abodo Rejects Accusations of Bias; “We Are Not Politically Driven!”

By Aggrey Buluba

In a fiery display of confidence and clarity, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo today hit back at allegations that her office is biased and unfairly targets the opposition during elections. In a dramatic press briefing alongside the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Abodo set the record straight, refusing to be cowed by what she called “baseless accusations.”

With the air tense and the media eagerly capturing every word, Abodo took to the podium with a stern demeanor. “Let me be clear,” she began, her voice cutting through the murmur of the gathered press. “The Directorate of Public Prosecution is not here to play politics. Whatever we do is in strict adherence to the law, and we do not favor anyone based on their political leanings,” she declared, pausing for emphasis.

With palpable conviction, Abodo proceeded to cite Articles 120, 211, and 120 of the Penal Code Act of Uganda, emphasizing that these are the pillars guiding the DPP’s operations. “These articles of the law dictate our conduct, not partisanship. We prosecute crime, not political affiliations,” she asserted, drawing a line in the sand for all to see.

Addressing the recent wave of criticism, Abodo didn’t mince words. She reiterated that her office, in collaboration with the CID, would continue to investigate and prosecute any individual who commits a crime, irrespective of their political affiliation. “We are here to uphold justice. Anyone found culpable after thorough investigations will face prosecution. That is our mandate,” she stated firmly.

But the DPP’s message didn’t end there. Abodo revealed plans for a new initiative aimed at educating officials from the Electoral Commission. “We will soon invite officials from the Electoral Commission to train our staff on proper election procedures. This is to ensure our operations remain transparent, effective, and above all, lawful,” she announced, showcasing a planned approach to strengthening the integrity of the electoral process.

This bold move comes as a direct response to growing concerns about procedural mistakes and political bias during elections. Abodo made it clear: “Our goal is to equip our team with the knowledge needed to avoid any errors that could be construed as favoritism. We are here to enforce the law impartially.”

The room was electric as Abodo wrapped up her statement, with journalists and attendees murmuring among themselves. Some wondered if her forceful words would quell the accusations or only fan the flames. One thing was certain: Jane Frances Abodo was not backing down.

With her no-nonsense attitude and steadfast commitment to the law, Abodo has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging anyone to prove otherwise. As the country watches closely, the DPP’s stance is clear: justice will be served, and it will be served fairly.