ODPP Officials Visit Deputy Chief Justice
Members of the ODPP team led by Director of Public Prosecutions, Hon. Lady Justice Abodo (3rd Left) with the Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Buteera(4th Left) at his chambers at the Court of Appeal
Officials from the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP) on Wednesday August 25,2021 paid a visit to the Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, at his chambers at the Court of Appeal to have a bilateral discourse on how to improve working relations between the Court and the ODPP.
The four officials were led by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo with Deputy DPP Mr Charles Elem Ogwal, Senior Assistant DPP and Head of Department Appeals, Ms Nabaasa Carolyn Hope and Assistant DPP, Ms Vicky Nabisenke taking part.
Among the issues that the ODPP team discussed with the DCJ is the impact of the budget cuts on the institution that has constrained the effective work of the prosecution body.
They emphasized the need to be involved in the cause-listing process to avoid hiccups during the hearings.
Also discussed was how best to secure court records from the different courts. They stressed the need for accurate, well-edited proceedings from trial courts.
Another concern raised was the need to train Judicial Officers of the different courts on the proper procedure for plea bargaining to ensure uniformity and consistency in handling plea bargain cases at the trial courts.
The meeting which was attended by the Court of Appeal Registrar in charge of Criminal Matters, HW Mary Kaitesi Kisakye and the DCJ’s Private Legal Secretary, HW Dr Alex Mushabe Karocho, explored how best timelines can be adhered to by advocates on state brief.
The officials from ODPP requested for collegiality and guidance from the Bench that would in turn nurture them to execute their work with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
The DCJ guided the ODPP team in areas he believed they could improve on their part. These included the need for further and deeper research and timely filing of submissions.
On her part, HW Kaitesi committed to involve the ODPP as well as prisons authorities while planning for sessions. She promised to share bi-annual plans of the Criminal Registry for proper planning.
Posted 25th, August 2021
