At least 15 Senior State Attorneys in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) have been promoted to the rank of Chief State Attorney in an accelerated process.
According to a press statement dated June 10 from the DPP’s office, this fast-track promotion allowed the attorneys to skip the ranks of Principal State Attorney and Senior Principal State Attorney.
“This milestone marks the officers’ transition to Commissioners in the Public Service, where they will play a pivotal role in upholding justice and the rule of law in our society. These officers had been at the rank of Senior State Attorney for over nine years,” the statement read.
The role of a Chief State Attorney, as outlined by the ODPP structure, includes heading a District Office, assisting a Regional Officer, heading a Unit, or assisting the Head of a Section at the Headquarters in managing day-to-day administrative duties.
Ms. Jacquelyn Okui, spokesperson for the DPP’s office and one of the beneficiaries of this promotion, explained that they had effectively been performing the duties of Chief State Attorneys for some time.
“We were considered for accelerated promotion to that rank because we had served in our previous positions for a long time and were more or less doing the work of the Chief State Attorneys,” Ms. Okui explained in a telephone interview. She also mentioned that they had sat for promotional interviews a fortnight ago, and 15 attorneys passed.
The key duties and responsibilities of a Chief State Attorney include directing police investigations of criminal matters, advising and guiding police and other government departments on criminal investigations and prosecutions, examining and advising on cases needing the DPP’s consent before prosecution, and overseeing cases requiring withdrawal or a review of the decision to prosecute.
Additionally, they coordinate, supervise, and conduct prosecutions within a district or region and handle criminal cases and appeals in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.
“With their new responsibilities, it is envisaged that the new Chief State Attorneys will lead with integrity and dedication, ensuring that criminal investigations and prosecutions are conducted with the highest standards of professionalism and ethics,” the DPP’s statement further read.
The rank of Chief State Attorney is positioned below that of the DPP, Deputy DPP, Principal Assistant DPP, Senior Assistant DPP, and Assistant DPP. As of now, the total number of Chief State Attorneys is unclear, but the ODPP has over 400 prosecutors in total.
Below is the list of newly promoted Chief State Attorneys:
- Okui Jacquelyn
- Asiku Nelly
- Basuuta Cate
- Nakimbugwe Irene
- Bakibinga David Baxter
- Muhereza Richard
- Aryong Josephine
- Bireke Safina
- Nabulobi Annet Janet
- Obale Innocent
- Muzige Amuza
- Kwikiriza Charlotte
- Tuhairwe Julius Danx
- Nambuya Sarah Sheron
- Kyasimire Jackline
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