Utrecht Graduate Immaculate Angutoko talks about her career in human rights and criminal justice

Immaculate Angutoko, Chief State Attorney at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda, spoke with Julie Fraser, Assistant Professor of International and European Law at Utrecht University, about her career since graduating from Utrecht University. 

Imma, we studied together at Utrecht University over a dozen years ago now, doing the LLM specialising in international human rights and criminal justice. What did you study before doing the LLM and why did you choose UU?

Before coming to Utrecht University (UU), I had attained a bachelor’s degree in law from Makerere University and a post graduate diploma in law from the Law Development Centre in Uganda. Thereafter, I joined the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda as a State Attorney where I prosecuted a plethora of all categories of criminal cases including transboundary crimes.

I have always had a passion for criminal justice and human rights; so, when I learnt of the then Nuffic scholarships by the Dutch Government and browsed through the course options at various universities, I was excited about the UU’s LLM in international law of human rights and criminal justice, which was the perfect blend for my career aspirations. I applied and was lucky to be selected on scholarship. UU offered me a perfect environment and opportunity to learn from an international perspective, network, and exposure at International Criminal Court (ICC) through the legal clinic. I learnt so much not only in terms of knowledge but skills (including soft skills), which have since been pivotal in my career growth.

Since the LLM, you have had an amazing career in criminal law - particularly prosecution - in Uganda, including a position as judicial affairs adviser with the UN mission in Somalia. Can you tell me more about that experience and how you have navigated your career progressions?

Oh yes, the LLM was pivotal! Thereafter, I spread my wings to fly high up at whatever opportunity of interest. One of the conditions for my scholarship was to return to Uganda and impart my new skills - so I was happy to return home and continue serving as a prosecutor (rising up through the ranks). In that role I have contributed to jurisprudence through appellate practice (I love prosecuting criminal appeals), respecting fair trial rights, and conducting research. I always try to get the best out of whatever assignments/deployments/placements; for instance, I worked as a visiting professional with the Office of the Prosecutor at the ICC to get hands on experience, in addition to an earlier internship with the Appeals Chambers.

When I returned from the ICC, I came across an opportunity for a Prosecution/Judiciary expert (Government Provided Personnel) to the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) - I applied and was selected. I served for three years executing UNSOM’s mandate on the rule of Law in HirShabelle (one of the federal States) and that experience was very unique – for me it was the first time working in an environment classified as high level of hardship station. I learnt to secure results in a fragile environment and learnt that every effort counts however little. When it comes to humanity we can all do something to better humanity, no matter the circumstances (I must say it was the experience was fulfilling). Then I returned back to Uganda for Prosecution service.

You are now Chief State Attorney in Kampala. What an incredible achievement!  Can you tell me a bit more about this role and your hopes for the future?

Yes, currently I am a Chief State Attorney at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda deputising the Department of Research and Training and Coordinator of the Virtual Learning Academy. In this position I coordinate trainings for prosecutors, deliver online training and induction for prosecutors for continual professional and skills enhancement. I also prosecute criminal appeals and conduct extensive research on various areas. I am soon completing a MBA (online) at the University of East London. I additionally serve as President of the Uganda Association of Prosecutors, a professional association that links all prosecutors in Uganda for effective, fair, and efficient administration of criminal cases in Uganda. I am one of the representatives of the Africa region on the International Association of Prosecutors Executive Committee. In the future I hope to pursue a PhD and am still keen on international service...!

After all this experience, what advice do you have, for students who want to pursue a career in human rights and criminal justice?

There is so much injustice out there that unfolds in various forms such as human rights abuses, war crimes/criminal acts, crimes against humanity etc. The world needs you and I to contribute to making a better world - so you are on the right path and opportunities await you! Just focus, have purpose and you will thrive.

Networking is key in the present era; there is always something to learn from others and this has been one of my strongholds. I have learnt a lot from my networks and still open to learning. If you can, please explore learning additional languages in your free time because you may never know where your passion leads you to, it is one skill I under looked and yet have through experience learnt that is very crucial in my career pursuit. I wish you all the best!