President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Lino Anguzu as Uganda’s new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), entrusting him with one of the most powerful and sensitive roles in the country’s justice system. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Senior Presidential Press Secretary, Sandor Walusimbi, who confirmed the appointment in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “H.E. Kaguta Museveni has appointed Mr. Lino Anguzu as the new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),” Walusimbi stated, adding that the President had forwarded Anguzu’s name to Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting and approval.

Anguzu steps into a role that carries immense national responsibility, one that requires balancing the scales of justice, ensuring fairness in prosecutions, and upholding the rule of law without fear or favor. He replaces Justice Jane Frances Abodo, who recently ascended to the position of Principal Judge, leaving behind a legacy of reform and renewed vigor in the DPP’s office. For Anguzu, the appointment is both an honor and a challenge, coming at a time when Uganda’s justice system faces mounting pressure to deliver justice swiftly, transparently, and free from political influence.

A seasoned prosecutor and legal strategist, Anguzu has served in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for several years, steadily rising through the ranks. Since 2019, he has held the position of Assistant DPP, overseeing critical divisions and playing a key role in shaping the country’s prosecutorial policy. He also headed the International Crimes Department, where he handled complex and high-profile cases involving terrorism, treason, war crimes, and other transnational offenses that have tested the limits of Uganda’s legal system.

His track record speaks to his deep familiarity with Uganda’s justice machinery. Anguzu was part of the prosecution teams in landmark terrorism trials and cross-border criminal cases that required close collaboration with international partners and intelligence agencies. Those who have worked with him describe him as methodical, calm under pressure, and deeply committed to the rule of law. His legal acumen and experience in managing sensitive cases have earned him respect within Uganda’s legal fraternity, and his appointment is widely seen as a vote of confidence in homegrown expertise.

Yet, his new role will not be without hurdles. The Office of the DPP has in recent years faced scrutiny over delays in prosecution, case backlogs, and public complaints about selective justice. Analysts say Anguzu’s leadership will be closely watched for how he balances efficiency with fairness, particularly in politically charged cases and matters involving corruption and human rights violations. With the country approaching another election season in 2026, the DPP’s office is expected to play a pivotal role in managing politically sensitive prosecutions and maintaining public trust in the judicial process.

Public reaction to the appointment has been largely positive, with many legal experts describing Anguzu as a “steady pair of hands.” Others, however, caution that his success will depend on his ability to insulate the office from external pressures and to ensure that justice is not only done but also seen to be done. His experience in international crimes and terrorism cases, they say, could help modernize Uganda’s prosecutorial systems, especially in areas of digital evidence handling and cross-border legal cooperation.

For Anguzu, the road ahead will demand both courage and integrity. His task will not just be about prosecuting offenders, but also restoring faith in institutions that many Ugandans feel have drifted from their original mandate of impartial justice. As he prepares to take office, pending parliamentary approval — the nation watches closely, hopeful that his appointment marks the beginning of a new era of professionalism and accountability in Uganda’s prosecution service.

If approved, Lino Anguzu will become one of the key figures shaping the country’s legal landscape over the next several years, a bridge between the courts, the state, and the people. And in a time when justice is often weighed against politics, his appointment could either reaffirm confidence in Uganda’s justice system or test it more than ever before.