Director of Public Prosecutions Jane Frances Abodo has disclosed that Uganda ranks seventh in Africa for the highest number of cases related to Organized Crimes. These crimes, driven by financial gain, encompass a wide range of activities such as money laundering, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and armed robbery.
Speaking at the Annual Prosecutors Symposium 2024 in Kampala, Abodo stressed the importance of strengthening prosecution capacity to combat both organized and emerging crimes. She highlighted the dynamic nature of criminal activities and emphasized the need to address prosecution mandates and accountability mechanisms.
The symposium, themed “Strengthening Capacity for Prosecution to Counter Organized and Emerging Crimes,” serves as a platform to discuss the present and future roles of the Office of the DPP.
Abodo underscored Uganda’s geographical challenges, with porous borders providing opportunities for organized crime to thrive. This situation makes Uganda susceptible to various types of crime, including cross-border cases.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Lino Anguzu outlined challenges to prosecuting organized crimes, including porous borders, evolving technology, inadequate investigations, and limited domestic and international cooperation. High-profile individuals’ involvement further complicates these efforts.
Sharon Nyambe, Country Head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, highlighted internal issues within Uganda, such as child trafficking and recruitment into armed conflict in neighboring countries. She also addressed Uganda’s role as a hub for arms trafficking across regions and the challenges posed by counterfeit goods and environmental crimes.
Nyambe emphasized the need for a national strategy against organized crime, including threat analysis, policy development, and capacity-building initiatives. This strategy aims to enhance coordination among law enforcement agencies, government departments, and stakeholders, facilitating effective implementation of countermeasures against organized crime.
