Lawmakers on the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs have outright rejected a funding request from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for its Inspections and Quality Assurance Department, citing political interference and a track record of poor performance.
During a heated session on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, legislators grilled DPP officials over case mismanagement, prosecutorial misconduct, and alleged government influence over their decisions.
Erute County South MP, Hon. Jonathan Odur, led the charge, demanding an audit of the DPP’s case files and condemning the delay in prosecuting high-profile cases, including that of Rt. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused.
“Why do you keep stalling cases you’ve already sanctioned? Stop hiding behind ‘further investigations’ and give us answers!” he demanded.
Odur blasted the DPP for recklessly prosecuting individuals without solid evidence, ruining innocent lives.
“Do you understand the damage you cause by pursuing baseless cases?” he challenged.
Accusing the DPP of failing to act independently, Odur flatly rejected the funding request.
“How can we fund an office that allows political interference and fails to hold its prosecutors accountable?” he argued.
Soroti District Woman MP, Hon. Anna Adeke, further exposed government influence over prosecutors, accusing them of taking direct orders from security operatives like RDCs and DISOs.
“Your office has become a political tool,” she declared.
West Budama North East MP, Hon. Fox Odoi-Oywelowo, pointed to the DPP’s dismal performance, referencing the 11th Annual Report on the State of Equal Opportunities for 2023/2024, which highlighted serious inefficiencies.
The Principal Policy Analyst at the ODPP, Viola Tucungwirwe pledged to address the issues raised by the MPs and petitioned them to consider supporting their funding requests
