Remarks at the Programme Steering Committee Meeting on Implementation of the UNODC County Prgramme

Salutations:

• Honourable Justice Jane Francis Abodo, Incoming Principal Judge of the Judiciary and outgoing Director of Public Prosecutions, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP);

• Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, Commissioner General, Uganda Prisons Service;

• Mr. James Ocaya, Deputy Inspector General, Uganda Police Force;

• Mr. Samuel Were Wandera, Executive Director, Financial Intelligence Authority; 

• Ms. Rachel Odoi-Musoke, Senior Technical Advisor to the Governance and Security Programme;

• H.E. Frederieke Quispel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands;

• Mr. Tullio Santini, UNODC Chief of the Regional Section for Africa and the Middle East and Acting Regional Representative for Eastern Africa;

• Ms. Sharon Lesa Nyambe, Head of Office, UNODC Uganda;

• Distinguished Heads of Government Institutions, Development Partners, and Colleagues.

On behalf of the United Nations Systems in Uganda, I am pleased to welcome you all to this Programme Steering Committee, of the UNODC country programme, “Strengthening Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Uganda (2022-2027)”. 

As Resident Coordinator, I have the privilege and honour of overseeing the work of all UN agencies in Uganda, including UNODC. This programme forms part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, 2021-2025 and now 2026-2030 (UN Cooperation Framework) – the central partnership between the United Nations and the Government of Uganda to support national development priorities, the Sustainable Development Goals, and Uganda’s long-term vision under Vision 2040, which plans to grow Uganda from a US$50 billion economy to US$500 billion.

This meeting is significant. While we will soon be transitioning to a new UN Cooperation Framework in Uganda,  the UNODC Country Programme is midway through the five-year cycle, giving us a chance to take stock of progress, learn from experience, and chart the way forward. The achievements we review today are not just outputs of UNODC and Government’s work – they are concrete contributions to the UN Cooperation Framework, to Uganda’s justice sector reforms, and to the collective ambition of leaving no one behind in the pursuit of peace, justice, and strong institutions under SDG 16.

Appreciation of Partnerships

Allow me to first appreciate the leadership and ownership of the Government of Uganda and the institutions represented here for your commitment, which has been central to the progress we have achieved under this programme thus far. Your active participation exemplifies the kind of inclusive, multi-stakeholder collaboration that is at the heart of the UN Cooperation Framework and the Uganda fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).

I wish to also commend the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for your vision and trust in this programme stand as a model of how strategic partnerships can deliver tangible progress for justice, security, and the rule of law in Uganda.

Within the UN family, UNODC provides the technical leadership on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, ensuring Uganda’s reforms are informed by international standards and best practices. I recognize the invaluable contributions of UNODC, implementing partners, and civil society organisations, whose dedication has been instrumental in promoting the rule of law, expanding access to justice, and supporting effective, fair, and accountable criminal justice systems throughout the country.

This programme is a clear demonstration of partnerships in action. It brings together Government, development partners, justice institutions, civil society, and the people of Uganda, working hand in hand toward a shared vision. In doing so, it reflects the spirit of the UN Cooperation Framework, which emphasizes collective solutions, national ownership, and leaving no one behind, reaching those furthest behind first.

Alignment with Broader UN Priorities, Uganda’s Vision 2040 and NDP IV

Uganda’s Vision 2040 sets an ambitious goal of transforming the country into a competitive upper-middle-income economy, underscoring that good governance, respect for human rights, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and a strong human capital base are the foundations for long-term development. No country is developed in this world without the rule of law.

In line with this, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV, 2025/26 - 2029/30) places particular emphasis on governance, security, the administration of justice, and legislative strengthening as key enablers of inclusive growth and socio-economic transformation. The Administration of Justice Programme and the Governance and Security Programme support these priorities by strengthening crime prevention, promoting civic awareness, and enhancing the rule of law. 

We have seen significant progress has been made, including increased public trust in the justice system, reduced crime rates, and investments in judicial infrastructure and digital solutions. Uganda has also strengthened anti-corruption frameworks, established specialized courts, and improved public finance and procurement systems, reflecting a commitment to transparency and accountability. At a time when Uganda is advancing domestic resource mobilization to fund its development agenda, strengthening financial integrity becomes ever more vital. Supporting institutions such as the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) to counter illicit financial flows and money laundering is key to safeguarding resources for national development. It is therefore essential to examine Uganda’s domestic resource mobilization to ensure it is pursued efficiently, and effectively.

Agenda 2030, SDGs and the UN Cooperation Framework

SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions reminds us that without effective justice systems grounded in the rule of law, equal participation in development remains out of reach for many, especially the most vulnerable. Through the UNODC-supported programme on Strengthening Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, we are working hand in hand with the Government to build institutional capacity, enhance service delivery, and advance transparency and accountability. This initiative not only advances the current UN Cooperation Framework (2021–2025) under Strategic Priority 1: Transformative and Inclusive Governance but is also firmly embedded in the upcoming UN Cooperation Framework (2026–2030) under Strategic Priority 3, which speaks to Integrated, Inclusive, and Rights-based Governance, set for launch in October 2025. It is a clear demonstration of how the UN family, through coordinated action, can reinforce Uganda’s vision for stronger governance, sustainable peace, and equitable justice for all.

Beyond frameworks and strategies, this programme has already delivered tangible impact across Uganda’s justice and security landscape. By strengthening inter-agency cooperation and adopting a holistic approach that addresses the interconnections between organised crime, cyber crime, and terrorism, Uganda’s Justice System is becoming better equipped to safeguard human rights, uphold the rule of law, and foster socio-economic development. At the same time, community-based initiatives, youth engagement, and expanded legal aid services have deepened trust between citizens and law enforcement, empowering local actors to prevent and resolve disputes peacefully. Support to criminal justice institutions has further enhanced operational efficiency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making demonstrating the value of an integrated approach to crime prevention and criminal justice.

Looking ahead, we have a unique opportunity to build on this momentum and maximize the programme’s contribution to a stronger justice sector. By continuing to strengthen institutions, expand legal aid services, harness technology, and invest in skills development, we can accelerate progress toward a justice system that is secure, transparent, and inclusive. Through our collective commitment, innovation, and partnership, Uganda can further reduce case backlogs, ease detention pressures, and expand access to fair, timely, and effective justice for all, particularly the most vulnerable. Together, we can transform today’s gains into lasting impact for generations to come.

Let this Programme Steering Committee be a moment to reaffirm our shared vision, renew our dedication, and move forward with confidence, transforming today’s challenges into lasting impact for Uganda.

As the UN in Uganda, we remain firmly committed to supporting national institutions in building a fair, accountable, and resilient criminal justice system one that protects rights, strengthens the rule of law, and contributes to social cohesion and sustainable development.

Let us therefore use today’s discussions not only to assess what has been achieved, but also to align our efforts more closely with Uganda’s national priorities and with the shared global agenda that guides us. Together, we can ensure that this flagship programme continues to serve as a model of partnership and effective impact.

I once again warmly welcome you all and wish us productive deliberations. 

Thank you.