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Legislators on the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs have rejected a funding request from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), citing political interference and poor performance by the Inspections and Quality Assurance Department.
The decision came during a session on April 1, 2025, where MPs met officials from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to review the DPP’s ministerial policy statement.
Established under Article 120 of the Constitution, the DPP is responsible for instituting criminal proceedings in all courts with competent jurisdiction, except the Court Martial.
Erute County South MP, Jonathan Odur, demanded accountability from the DPP on case management. He called for an audit of all files received, sanctioned, closed, or recommended for further investigation.
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“We have one case already known to the public—Rt Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused. When will you prosecute it instead of hiding behind requests for more time? You sanctioned the files, which means you had enough evidence. Give us an update, and report on other pending cases,” Odur said.
He accused the DPP of pursuing cases without proper evidence.
“Do you know what it means to prosecute an innocent person, even when it’s clear the case has no basis? Do you understand the damage you cause?” he asked.
Odur also blamed the DPP for failing to check what he called “excesses from the Executive,” despite its constitutional independence.
“That’s why I reject the budget for the Inspection and Quality Assurance Department. What inspections have you done to ensure prosecutors follow professional conduct?” he added.
Soroti District Woman MP, Anna Adeke, questioned why prosecutors take instructions from security operatives.
“What business do your prosecutors have taking orders from RDCs and DISOs? Your office is being misused,” she said.
West Budama North East MP, Fox Odoi-Oywelowo, also criticised the DPP’s performance, referring to findings from the 11th Annual Report on the State of Equal Opportunities for the 2023/2024 financial year.
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In response, Principal Policy Analyst at the ODPP, Viola Tucungwirwe, promised to address the issues raised. She urged the MPs to support their funding needs.
She noted that the office needs resources to recruit more state attorneys and non-legal officers, improve communication, and strengthen its operational units.