The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has called for tougher action against corruption and abuse of office, warning investigators and public officials against treating procedural breaches lightly.
The call was made during a high-level anti-corruption engagement held in Kasese District, bringing together prosecutors, police officers, intelligence personnel and wildlife prosecutors from across the Rwenzori region.
The meeting, organised through the ODPP’s Anti-Corruption Department under the Fort Portal Regional Office, focused on strengthening investigations, improving coordination among agencies and enhancing prosecution-guided investigations.
Speaking during the engagement, Head of the Anti-Corruption Department, Josephine Namatovu, warned that many procedural irregularities committed by public officers often conceal criminal intent.
“Procedural breaches by public officers should not be treated lightly because many of them carry criminal intent,” Namatovu said.
She also urged investigators to continuously upgrade their skills, noting that corruption crimes have become more organised and systemic.
Resident State Attorney for Kasese, Godfrey Oundo, said the gathering reflected a shared commitment among institutions to uphold the rule of law and accountability.
Senior State Attorney Gertrude Apio highlighted offences under the Anti-Corruption Act, Anti-Money Laundering Act and procurement laws, while stressing the importance of strong investigations in securing convictions.
Chief State Attorney Safina Bireke explained the role of prosecution-guided investigations and the Asset Recovery Unit in tracing and recovering proceeds of corruption.
Rwenzori East Regional CID Officer Hassan Serengeti said police have strengthened anti-corruption efforts through specialised units, witness protection measures and internal disciplinary systems.
The Rwenzori Regional Internal Security Officer Gilbert Winyi commended the ODPP for organising the meeting and called for regular engagements to strengthen accountability and coordination in fighting corruption.
