Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya has been appointed as the head of the newly established Specialized Unit within the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The unit’s primary responsibility is the prosecution of Investment Crimes investigated by various state units including the State House Investment Unit, the State House Anti–Corruption Unit, and the State House Health Monitoring Unit.
Jonathan Muwaganya’s appointment as the head of the Investment Crimes Prosecution Unit follows a reorganization within the office of the DPP, as communicated by the Public Relations Officer Jacquelyn Okui. The decision was made by the top management of the DPP’s office in response to the creation of the new unit and the restructuring of certain Regional State Attorney Offices, along with staff transfers.
As part of this reorganization, the Masindi Regional Office has been relocated to Hoima, now operating as the Hoima Regional Office. This move aims to enhance accessibility for stakeholders in the Hoima Region, encompassing Hoima, Masindi, Kibaale, Kiryandongo, and Buliisa districts. Additionally, a new Resident State Attorney office has been established in Kyankwanzi to improve access to criminal justice services in the area.
Several personnel transfers have also been implemented to ensure efficient prosecution service delivery. Ten officers have been reassigned to various roles within the legal framework. Notable among these transfers is Alex Bagada, who moves from the Soroti Regional Office to head the Homicide Division in the General Case Work Department.
Furthermore, Baxter Bakibinga has been appointed as the Deputy Regional Officer at the Mubende Regional Office, while Richard Muhereza assumes the role of Acting Regional Officer at the Arua Regional Office. Simon Angumale has been promoted to lead the Arua Regional Office, reflecting the ongoing restructuring efforts.
Viola Tusingwire, Bruce Twongirwe, Nam Terpista, and Bernard Luzinda are among the other officers who have been assigned roles within different investment crimes prosecution units and regional offices, as part of the reorganization process. These changes will come into effect either immediately or starting from April 2nd, 2024.
The establishment of the Investment Crimes Prosecution Unit aligns with the national agenda to support investment advancement in Uganda. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s anti-corruption efforts are evident in the creation of this unit, which collaborates with other specialized units under State House, such as the Health Monitoring Unit and the Anti-Corruption Unit.
Jonathan Muwaganya brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Chief State Attorney, having served in various capacities within the legal field. With a Master’s Degree in Sustainable International Development Law from the University of Washington and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Makerere University, Kampala, Muwaganya has a strong educational background. He also holds diplomas in Legal Practice, Business Administration, and Social Justice.
Muwaganya’s legal career spans back to 2008 when he began as a Public Prosecutor. Over the years, he has handled a diverse range of criminal cases across different regions of Uganda, including the Eastern, Northern, and Central regions. His previous roles include serving as a Deputy Head of the Plea Bargain program at the DPP Headquarters and as the Deputy Regional Officer in the Kampala Region.
Prior to joining the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Muwaganya briefly practiced as a private advocate in Kampala, further enriching his legal experience. Throughout his career, he has been involved in prosecuting several high-profile criminal cases, demonstrating his dedication to upholding justice and combating crime.
Among the notable cases he has handled are the prosecution of individuals involved in murder, cyber harassment, assault, theft, and corruption. His involvement in these cases underscores his commitment to ensuring accountability and promoting the rule of law within Uganda’s legal system.
