The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lino Anguzu, has confirmed that his office is offering technical and legal support to ongoing investigations into corruption allegations involving Parliament, including claims linked to former Speaker Anita Among, while cautioning against speculation as inquiries continue.
Anguzu’s remarks follow recent security operations in which investigators reportedly searched properties belonging to Among in Nakasero, Kigo and Ntinda, as well as her parliamentary office. During the raids, authorities are said to have recovered assets suspected to have been acquired through illicit means, including vehicles, cash, jewellery and electronic surveillance devices.
Speaking to journalists in Kampala, Anguzu said the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) is leading the probe, with the DPP’s office playing a supporting role. He, however, declined to go into detail about the scope of the investigations or confirm whether the focus is limited to the former Speaker or extends to Parliament as an institution.
“The ongoing matters involving the Speaker, yes, we are aware that there is an investigation ongoing. We are providing background support, and when the time is due, we shall update on what the status is and what is happening,” he said.
Anguzu also dismissed reports suggesting that the DPP plans to reopen previously concluded corruption cases involving political leaders and public officials, including files related to the Karamoja iron sheets scandal. Several individuals were implicated in that matter, though only a few faced prosecution.
He explained that such case files had already been subjected to legal review, with decisions made to either proceed with prosecution or close them based on the evidence available at the time. According to him, reopening concluded files would only be possible if new and compelling evidence emerges.
On concerns about alleged misconduct within the prosecution service, Anguzu acknowledged that disciplinary measures have been taken against some prosecutors accused of unethical behaviour. He said some officers have been warned, others demoted or retired, while a number are already facing court proceedings.
He added that the upcoming Annual Prosecutors Symposium will address issues of professionalism, integrity and efficiency within the prosecution system. “We have internal mechanisms and strategies that we have already designed to ensure that our prosecutors are more efficient, and they have more integrity in what they do,” he noted.
Responding to criticism over perceived inconsistencies in handling corruption cases, Anguzu defended the DPP’s decision-making process, saying all matters are carefully assessed before charges are approved or withdrawn.
“I can assure the public every case that has been charged in court has a sound basis for preferring the charge, and every case where prosecution has been terminated has gone through a robust review process within this institution,” he said.
He further explained that prosecution decisions depend on the strength of evidence, witness reliability, public interest considerations and developments during trial. In some instances, he said, cases may be withdrawn when prospects of conviction weaken, to avoid acquittals that could bar future prosecution even if stronger evidence later emerges.
The Annual Prosecutors Symposium, alongside the 8th Joan Kagezi Memorial Lecture, will bring together justice sector actors to discuss emerging crime trends, developments in jurisprudence and challenges in criminal prosecution.
As a result, criminal hearings scheduled between May 25 and May 29 will be postponed as prosecutors participate in the Kampala engagements under the theme: “Enhancing Professionalism for Responsive Prosecution Services.”
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