President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Justice Jane Frances Abodo as Uganda’s new Principal Judge, succeeding Justice Flavian Zeija, who was elevated to Deputy Chief Justice. This appointment makes her the third most senior judicial officer, after the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice.
As Principal Judge, Abodo will oversee the High Court and all magistrates’ courts across the country, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and smooth delivery of justice. Parliament will now vet and approve her appointment.
Justice Abodo brings a wealth of experience to the position. She has served as Director of Public Prosecutions (since 2020), High Court Judge (since 2018), and formerly headed the Anti-Corruption Court prosecutions. She has also championed innovations such as plea bargaining, aimed at reducing case backlog and expediting justice.
Her appointment comes at a critical time when the Judiciary is intensifying reforms to strengthen judicial independence, integrity, and timely service delivery. With her proven record in both prosecution and judicial administration, Justice Abodo is expected to reinforce the Judiciary’s role as a cornerstone of Uganda’s governance and national development.
