President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo as the new Principal Judge, making her one of the highest-ranking judicial figures in Uganda. If approved by Parliament, she will officially replace Lady Justice Flavian Nzeija, who previously held the position.
Justice Abodo’s elevation marks another milestone in a trailblazing career that has seen her rise through Uganda’s legal ranks with distinction.
Originally from Karamoja, she studied law at Makerere University before completing a Diploma in Legal Practice at the Law Development Centre (LDC). She later earned a Master of Laws from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland.
Her legal journey began in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), where she became a standout figure in prosecuting corruption-related crimes. She later led the anti-corruption desk and gained national recognition for her rigorous pursuit of justice in complex white-collar crime cases.
In 2018, Justice Abodo was appointed to the High Court under the Criminal Division.
There, she worked on cased of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as plea bargain cases, playing a key role in streamlining criminal justice processes and advocating for survivors’ rights. Her reformist outlook and commitment to judicial efficiency set her apart from many of her contemporaries.
She made history as Uganda’s first female Director of Public Prosecutions, a position she has held with influence and integrity. In that capacity, she has not only championed prosecution reform but also deepened public confidence in the independence of the prosecutorial arm of the state.
Her pending confirmation as Principal Judge comes at a time when the judiciary is under increasing pressure to improve case management, reduce backlog, and insulate itself from political interference.
The position of Principal Judge is central to the administration of justice in Uganda, as it entails oversight of all High Court circuits and supervises lower courts across the country.
Justice Abodo’s appointment signals the president’s continued reliance on experienced legal professionals with proven track records in the fight against corruption and the defense of institutional integrity. O
