DPP Abodo Rejects MPs’ Calls to Intervene in Civilian Cases in Court Martial

While presenting her office’s 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper to the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee on Tuesday, Abodo clarified that her mandate under Article 120 of the Constitution does not extend to the Court Martial’s jurisdiction.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Frances Abodo, has declined a plea by Members of Parliament to take over cases involving civilians being prosecuted in the Court Martial, citing constitutional limitations.
While presenting her office’s 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper to the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee on Tuesday, Abodo clarified that her mandate under Article 120 of the Constitution does not extend to the Court Martial’s jurisdiction.
“I can’t institute and I can’t take over cases under the Court Martial. We have looked at it, and I just want to stay in my lane,” she asserted.
Her response followed a question by Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa, who raised concerns over the increasing number of civilians being tried in military courts.
Ms Abodo, however, reiterated her commitment to constitutional boundaries and refused to comment further, citing an ongoing related case in the Supreme Court.
“You will forgive me that I may not comment on that case because the next question is that I comment on those cases. I may not comment because it is a case in the Supreme Court as well. Otherwise, I may be quoted or misquoted, and then the sub judice rule gets me,” she explained.
The DPP’s firm stance highlights the separation of powers between civilian and military judicial systems amid growing calls for reforms to address the prosecution of civilians in military courts.