DPP Providing Background Support in Ongoing Parliament Corruption Probe

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lino Anguzu, has revealed that his office is providing background support to ongoing investigations into corruption allegations involving Parliament, including matters linked to the former Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, but cautioned against drawing premature conclusions as inquiries are still underway.

Anguzu’s remarks come amid investigations into allegations of corruption, money laundering and illicit enrichment involving Anita Among. A week ago, security agencies raided Among’s homes in Nakasero, Kigo and Ntinda, as well as her office at Parliament, and seized assets that were illicitly acquired. They include vehicles, cash, expensive jewellery and electronic surveillance equipment.

Addressing journalists at his office in Kampala today, Anguzu said the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) is leading the investigations, while the Office of the DPP is offering support. He declined to disclose details about the scope of the investigations, saying it was too early to state whether the probe specifically targets the Speaker or 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,” Anguzu said.  

Anguzu dismissed reports that the DPP’s office intends to re-open corruption-related cases involving politicians and public officials, including matters arising from the Karamoja iron sheets scandal, in which several individuals were implicated but only a few prosecuted.

He explained that files from past investigations had already undergone legal review, and decisions were made either to prosecute or close them, depending on the evidence available. He added that these could only be reopened if there is new information that merits fresh investigations. 

Meanwhile, Anguzu acknowledged public concern over corruption allegations within the prosecution system, revealing that disciplinary action has been initiated against several prosecutors accused of unethical conduct. According to Anguzu, some prosecutors are being retired, demoted or warned, while others are already facing prosecution in courts of law.

He said next week’s Annual Prosecutors Symposium will partly focus on strengthening professionalism, integrity and efficiency among prosecutors across the country. “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 said.

Responding to criticism that the DPP selectively prosecutes corruption suspects while withdrawing charges against some politicians, Anguzu defended the office’s decision-making processes, saying all criminal cases undergo rigorous internal review before charges are approved or terminated.

“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.

Anguzu explained that prosecution decisions are guided by available evidence, witness credibility, public interest considerations and changing circumstances during trial. He noted that in some instances, prosecutors may withdraw cases if the chances of conviction diminish, arguing that proceeding with weak cases could result in acquittals that permanently bar future prosecution even if stronger evidence later emerges.

The Annual Prosecutors Symposium and the 8th Joan Kagezi Memorial Lecture are expected to bring together prosecutors and other justice sector players for discussions on emerging crime trends, evolving jurisprudence and practical challenges in the prosecution of criminal cases.

As a result, hearings of criminal cases will be postponed from May 25 to May 29 as prosecutors gather in Kampala under the theme: “Enhancing Professionalism for Responsive Prosecution Services.”