Anguzu Assumes Office as New Director of Public Prosecutions

Lino Anguzu has officially assumed office as the new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) 

A statement from Jacquelyn Okui, Public Relations Officer at the ODPP, confirmed that the handover took place on Tuesday at the ODPP headquarters in Kampala. The ceremony was presided over by Permanent Secretary Agnes Kainza Nzogi, in line with Public Service Standing Orders, and witnessed by top and senior management.

Anguzu’s appointment by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni followed the elevation of Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo to the position of Principal Judge of the Judiciary. Justice Abodo handed over the office to Anguzu, congratulating him on his appointment and highlighting his prosecutorial background as an asset in steering the institution. She encouraged him to remain firm and grounded in the law, assuring him of a capable and supportive ODPP team.

In his remarks, Anguzu said he was humbled to receive the leadership baton from Justice Abodo and expressed gratitude to the President for the appointment. He commended Abodo for her effective stewardship of the ODPP over the past five years and her mentorship, congratulating her on becoming Principal Judge.

Anguzu further outlined his guiding principles — devotion to God, hard work, discipline, and dedication — as key to advancing the ODPP’s five-year strategic plans. The Permanent Secretary welcomed Anguzu on behalf of ODPP staff, pledging their support and appreciating Abodo’s leadership during her tenure. According to Okui, the handover ceremony marks a new chapter for the ODPP, which continues to deliver professional and responsive prosecution services, strengthen public confidence, and contribute to national transformation.

Born in Arua, Anguzu becomes the first DPP since the 1995 Constitution to be appointed from within the ODPP itself.

His predecessors — Mike Chibita (now a Supreme Court Judge), Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus Richard Buteera, and Abodo — were appointed from the Judiciary. However, Abodo spent the majority of her career in the ODPP as a prosecutor for over 20 years before her elevation. Anguzu brings a wealth of experience, having led prosecutions in high-profile criminal and terrorism cases. These include the attempted assassination of former Chief of Defence Forces Gen Katumba Wamala, the murders of Maj Muhammad Kiggundu and Sgt Steven Mukasa, and the killing of former police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi.

He also played key roles in the 2010 Kampala bombings trial, the prosecution of ADF leader Jamil Mukulu, and the ongoing case against Nixon Agasirwe, a senior police officer accused of involvement in the 2015 assassination of state prosecutor Joan Kagezi.