By Gloria Gwitabinji
Officials from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), led by the Permanent Secretary, have appeared before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) to respond to issues raised in the Auditor General’s report for the 2024–2025 financial year.
However, the session quickly went beyond audit queries, with Members of Parliament raising long-standing concerns about the conduct of state prosecutors, case delays and the treatment of suspects within the justice system.
Kasanda MP Patrick Nsamba criticised what he termed the deliberate delay in handling the case of Muwanga Kivumbi, the chairperson of the PAC Committee before which the officials were appearing. Nsamba said prosecutors have repeatedly cited ongoing investigations as the reason for not progressing the matter, which he argued points to reluctance to prosecute.
He also raised concern over the circumstances surrounding Kivumbi’s arrest, noting that he was picked up alongside young children who were due to return to school. Nsamba said despite pleas to allow time for the children’s welfare, the state sought a six-month extension in the matter.
Bugiri Municipality MP Asumani Basalirwa on his part faulted the prosecution for presenting cases in court without sufficient evidence, a practice he said weakens cases and undermines public confidence in the justice process.
Deputy Chairperson of the Committee, Goreth Namugga, criticised what she described as excessive bail conditions, particularly for ordinary citizens. She questioned why suspects are required to raise bail amounts as high as Shs 3 million, saying such conditions effectively deny many people their right to temporary freedom. Namugga also accused some state attorneys of acting with impunity, arguing that such conduct has eroded public trust in the courts.
She called on the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to restore professionalism and fairness in the justice system, stressing that access to justice should not be determined by one’s financial status.
Kwania MP Elijah Okuppa raised alarm over prolonged detention on remand, citing cases of inmates who have spent decades in prison without trial. He told the committee that some individuals have been on remand for as long as 38 years, while another has been awaiting trial since 2003. Okuppa said at least 17 people have remained on remand for more than 15 years, and demanded an explanation for the persistent delays.
Asuman supported Okuppa’s concerns, recounting how one of the inmates who has spent 38 years on remand at Luzira Prison broke down in tears during a recent visit by MPs to check on Dr. Kizza Besigye.
