ODPPUGANDA

Good Friday

For Hon. Otukol Samuel, the court took into account the fact than he was the master mind and orchestrator of the scheme, he was the one who utilised the money paid into his accounts in Samix and Zedkol in which he was a director, he was also previously convicted for similar offences, the fact that he jumped court bond after the hearing of the case, he did not appear in court for judgment and sentencing. Finally, for Mr. Osire Ezekiel, court took into account that he was a business partner of Hon. Otukol Sam and co signatory to the Zedkol financial services account, he was a previous convict together with Hon. Sam Otukol on similar charges, he participated in withdrawing the funds off the account. In mitigation the court considered that he was a family man. Mr. Osire was ordered to pay the compensation within 4 months after serving his sentence, while due to Hon. Otukol’s absence, the duration for paying the compensation was not pronounced. The matter was prosecuted by Emily Mutuzo Sendaula, Senior State Attorney, before Her Worship Esther Asiimwe. #ODPPUGANDA

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT AND OTHERS SENTENCED FOR CAUSING FINANCIAL LOSS, THEFT, AND CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD Today, April 1, 2026, Hon. Otukol Samuel, a Member of Parliament and Director in both Samix Uganda Ltd and Zedkol Financial Services, Mr. Odap Francis, former Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and Mr. Wamburu Willy, Acting Chief Financial Officer of Namisindwa District, and Mr. Osire Ezekiel, Director of Zedkol Financial Services, have been sentenced by the Anti-Corruption Court for causing financial loss, theft, and conspiracy to defraud. The sentences are as follows; In respect of counts 1, 3, and 5 of causing financial loss, Mr. Odap Francis was sentenced to imprisonment of 12, 14, and 8 months, respectively, while on counts 6 and 7 of conspiracy to defraud, he was sentenced to 12 and 14 months’ imprisonment, respectively. All sentences are to run concurrently, indicating that he will serve a 14-month jail term. Mr. Wamburu Willy was sentenced on counts 1, 3, and 5 of causing financial loss to 12, 15, and 10 months’ imprisonment, while on counts 6 and 7 of conspiracy to defraud, he was sentenced to 12 and 15 months’ imprisonment. All sentences are to run concurrently, indicating that he will serve a 15-month jail term. Hon. Otukol Sam was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment and 2 years’ imprisonment on counts 2 and 4 of theft, respectively. On counts 6 and 7 of conspiracy to defraud, he was sentenced to 18 months and 2 years’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to compensate Namisindwa District Local Government the sum of UGX 202,483,413, which was stolen through Samix Uganda Ltd, and UGX 105,215,445, being fifty percent of the UGX 210,430,890 stolen through Zedkol Financial Services, a total of UGX 307,698,858. Osire Ezekiel was sentenced to fines of UGX 3.5 million and UGX 3 million on counts 4 and 7, respectively. In addition, he was ordered to compensate Namisindwa District UGX 105,215,445, being 50% of the UGX 210,430,890 stolen through Zedkol financial services. While sentencing the convicts, the court took into account the manner in which the crime was committed, each convict's role, and the positions held. For Mr. Odap Francis, the court considered that he was the one who approved the fictitious invoices that resulted in the loss, and that, as CAO, he was the highest-ranking technical officer at the local government level; thus, he abused his position of trust. She, however, noted that he was a man of advanced age, was remorseful, and had multiple health conditions. The court took into account that Mr. Wamburi Willy initiated the fictitious invoices, which resulted in a loss. He was both the Payroll Accountant and Acting Chief Finance Officer, a position of trust that he abused by misadvising the CAO. Furthermore, that he was a family man with a young family. The court declined to grant compensation orders against Odap Francis and Wamburu Willy, as the money had ended up with Otukol Sam and Osire Ezekiel, and found that the sentences met the ends of justice.

*ODPP SANCTIONS MURDER AND AGGRAVATED ROBBERY CHARGES IN KIBOGA PRISON CASE AS ACCUSED PERSONS ARE PRODUCED IN COURT* The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) sanctioned criminal charges against the accused persons, in a lethal shooting incident at Kiboga Government Prison. Today, 31st March 2026, the principal accused, Prison Warder No. 13544, Anguyo Moses, was formally arraigned before Her Worship Jonad Kusasira, Magistrate Grade I. His appearance in court follows a coordinated cross-border operation that led to his arrest in Aru, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He had reportedly fled Uganda and was found hiding in a farm in Aru Village owned by one Andama, where he was being concealed by one Hitler Pariyo. The arrest was successfully executed by Police acting on intelligence provided by the Uganda Prisons Service. This was as a result of an effective inter-agency collaboration in the pursuit of justice. Anguyo Moses now faces multiple counts of murder. The charges arise from events of 23rd February 2026 at Kiboga Government Prison, where it is alleged that, with malice aforethought, he unlawfully caused the deaths of ASP Catherine Hope, PO1 Akishuri Bright, Ayebare Sarah, and Niwagaba Salson. These allegations characterize a profound breach of duty by an officer entrusted with the protection of life and security. In addition to the murder charges, the accused faces counts of aggravated robbery. It is alleged that, during the same course of events, he robbed victims including Katusiime Grace and Nabayiga Mary of their property, using a deadly weapon, namely a firearm. The use of a gun accentuates the violent and aggravated nature of the offences. He is further charged with threatening violence, having allegedly intimidated a victim with threats of death or injury. The charge sheet also implicates three co-accused, Anziku Peter, Anziku Peter alias Okuonzi Dickson, and Amviko Hellen, who are charged as accessories after the fact to felony. It is alleged that, being relatives of the principal accused, they assisted him to evade arrest and escape from lawful custody following the commission of the offences. The Prosecution is represented by Mr. Stephen Ariong, Senior State Attorney, and Ms. Joan Gaswaga, State Attorney, both from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This case is a potent assertion of the principle that no person is above the law. The ODPP reiterates its commitment to ensuring that all those implicated are held accountable through due process, and that justice is delivered to the victims and their families. The accused persons remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Proceedings will continue as investigations progress. The ODPP remains fully committed to prosecuting this matter diligently and to its logical and lawful conclusion.#ODPPUPDATES #ODPPUGANDA @odppuganda_

*AWARENESS IS POWER: ODPP EQUIPS NEW STATE ATTORNEYS TO COMBAT STIGMA AND DEFEND HEALTH RIGHTS* In a powerful and forward-looking engagement, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), with the invaluable support of the Kampala HIV Project, convened a sensitisation session for newly recruited State Attorneys under the theme, “End Stigma, Enforce Rights, Awareness is Power.” The session, held at the Resident State Attorney’s Office in Nakawa, focused on critical issues surrounding HIV, AIDS, TB, and cervical cancer, placing public health squarely within the framework of justice and human rights. Delivering the opening remarks, Ms. Nabaasa Carolyn Hope, Principal Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions and Focal Point Officer of the ODPP HIV/AIDS/TB Prevention and Care Committee Unit, offered a compelling account of the Unit’s formation and its enduring vision. She underscored the commitment to fostering a healthy, informed, and productive workforce, free from the burdens of stigma and discrimination. She emphasised that the ODPP must not only prosecute justice but embody it internally by cultivating a workplace grounded in dignity, confidentiality, and support. Her message was clear and resonant. Awareness is not merely knowledge. It is empowerment. Reaffirming this commitment, Ms. Nabaasa assured the new State Attorneys of strict confidentiality and institutional support, encouraging them to actively utilise available testing and screening services. She called upon them to lead by example in promoting a stigma-free environment, both within the institution and in the broader justice system. Dr. Claire Murungi of the Kampala HIV Project echoed this vision, highlighting the organisation’s continued partnership with government institutions in the collective effort to end HIV and AIDS by 2030. She shared encouraging developments in medical innovation, noting that the Lenacapavir injection, a groundbreaking advancement in HIV prevention and treatment administered biannually, is expected to be available in government health facilities in the fourth quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year. In a strong demonstration of commitment to personal and public health, the newly appointed State Attorneys voluntarily undertook HIV testing and cervical cancer screening, marking not just participation, but leadership in action. This engagement is a powerful reminder that the pursuit of justice extends beyond the courtroom. It demands awareness, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of all.#ODPPUPDATES #UBCTVUGANDA

The engagement yielded concrete progress, including the development of practical data management tools designed to strengthen coordination, improve accuracy, and enhance institutional reporting. More importantly, it reinforced a collective sense of duty anchored in professionalism, accountability, and the pursuit of justice. The Office moves forward with renewed clarity, committed to continuous improvement and to delivering a prosecution service that is both efficient and firmly grounded in integrity.#ODPPUPDATES #ODPPUGANDA

*ODPP ADVANCES DIGITAL STRATEGY IN HIGH-LEVEL ENGAGEMENT WITH REGIONAL OFFICERS* Today, March 30, 2026, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) convened a high-level engagement, between the Top Management and Regional Officers in a focused and forward-looking dialogue on data management and institutional performance. The meeting created a deliberate space to interrogate existing data systems, align operational priorities, and chart a more coherent path towards evidence-based decision-making across all regions. In his address, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr John Baptist Asiimwe, underscored the central place of accurate and timely data in the administration of justice. He called upon Regional Officers to take personal responsibility for the integrity of information originating from their jurisdictions, noting that the quality of prosecutorial decisions is only as sound as the data that informs them. He further clarified that the purpose of the engagement was to build consensus around practical and reliable data tools that can support consistency, accountability, and institutional clarity. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Hon. Lino Anguzu, set a firm and ambitious tone by signalling a decisive shift towards a robust digital direction within the Office. He urged Regional Officers to adapt to this transition with urgency, deepen their technological competence, and position themselves as drivers of a modern, responsive prosecution service. He cautioned against any lapse in ethical conduct and placed renewed emphasis on supervision, inspection, and performance oversight. In his guidance, he made it clear that leadership at the regional level must translate into visible efficiency, discipline, and measurable output among staff.

Today, we stand still for a moment. We remember the Late Joan Kagezi, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions. Not simply as a name in our records, but as a woman whose presence once filled our corridors with purpose, conviction, and quiet strength.

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT AND OTHERS SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED AND CONVICTED OF CAUSING FINANCIAL LOSS, THEFT, AND CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD Today, March 27, 2026, the ODPP secured convictions against Hon. Otukol Samuel, a Member of Parliament and Director in both Samix Uganda Ltd and Zedkol Financial Services, Odap Francis, former Chief Administrative Officer, and Wamburu Willy, Acting Chief Financial Officer of Namisindwa District, and Osire Ezekiel, Director of Zedkol Financial Services, for causing financial loss, theft, and conspiracy to defraud, at the Anti-Corruption Court. Mr. Odap Francis and Mr. Wamburu Willy, during June, October, and November 2019, processed payments purported to be staff loan deductions, to companies that had not provided any services to the district in the sums UGX 82,530,413 to United for Development SACCO, UGX 202,483,413 to Samix Uganda Ltd, and UGX 210,430,890 to Zedkol Financial Services. This action was contrary to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Public Service, which required payment of loan deductions to a single deduction code managed by the Uganda Consumer Lenders Association (UCLA). Hon. Otukol Samuel and Mr. Osire Ezekiel withdrew the money from the companies’ accounts upon receipt and utilised it. The said companies were not licensed by the Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority (UMRA) to provide financial services; they were not members of UCLA; and they did not provide loans to the staff of Namisindwa District Local Government. The court convicted Mr. Odap Francis and Mr. Wamburu Willy on three counts of causing financial loss and two counts of conspiracy to defraud. The court convicted Hon. Otukol Samuel on two counts of theft and two counts of conspiracy to defraud, while Osire Ezekiel was convicted on one count of theft and one count of conspiracy to defraud. The court will sentence the convicts on April 1, 2026. The matter was prosecuted by Emily Mutuzo Sendaula, Senior State Attorney, before Her Worship Asiimwe Ester.#ODPPUGANDA

ODPP CLOSES ITS CASE IN JOAN KAGEZI MURDER CASE The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has closed its case in the Joan Kagezi murder case today after adducing the evidence of 26 witnesses in court. The court gave directions for the Defence to file written submissions on a no-case-to-answer and to serve the Prosecution by April 17, 2026. The Prosecution is scheduled to file its reply by May 18, 2026, and the Defence is scheduled to file its rejoinder by June 1, 2026. The court will then make a ruling on July 3, 2026. Assistant DPP Joan Kagezi, was heading the International Crimes Department of the ODPP, when she was brutally assassinated on March 30, 2015. At the time of her assassination, she was prosecuting the 2010 Kyadondo bomb blast case.#ODPPUPDATES #ODPPUGANDA

*MILESTONE IN PROSECUTION OF CRIMINAL APPEALS BY THE APPEALS AND MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF THE ODPP* The ODPP Appeals and Miscellaneous Applications Department, led by Ms Nabaasa Carolyn Hope, Principal Assistant DPP, has successfully participated in three Court of Appeal sessions held in Kampala, Masaka and Mbale during the quarter ending 31 March 2026. A total of 86 appeals were prosecuted. The sessions contributed to backlog clearance and strengthened mentorship, with State Attorneys from Kabale, Masaka, Kampala, Mbale, Jinja, Luwero and Arua benefiting from practical guidance in appellate advocacy and submissions. Notably, a new strategy of cross appealing was adopted to curb appeals against lenient sentences. Several judgements were delivered, some appeals were withdrawn, others abated, and a number remain pending ruling. The conclusion of the prosecution of these criminal appeals marks another important step in ensuring timely prosecution and resolution of cases and upholding confidence in the justice system.#ODPPUGANDA

*ODPP TOP MANAGEMENT UNDERTAKES STRATEGIC INSPECTION IN FORT PORTAL REGION TO STRENGTHEN JUSTICE DELIVERY* The Top Management of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) undertook a comprehensive and high-level inspection of prosecution stations across the Fort Portal Region, conducted from 23 to 26 March 2026. This strategic engagement covered the Fort Portal Regional Office together with Resident State Attorney offices in Fort Portal, Kamwenge, Bundibugyo, Kasese, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa and Bunyangabo Districts, reflecting a deliberate institutional effort to assess performance and enhance service delivery across the region. The inspection was led by a delegation comprising Mr. John Baptist Asiimwe, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. George William Byansi, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, and Ms. Viola Tucungwirwe, Principal Policy Analyst. Their presence underscored the importance the institution places on direct oversight, leadership engagement, and continuous institutional strengthening. During the exercise, the Top Management held in-depth engagements with staff across all stations, focusing on the effective and professional execution of the ODPP’s mandate. The discussions were anchored on promoting diligence, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to the public interest in the prosecution of criminal matters. Particular emphasis was placed on the critical need to build and sustain public trust through consistent, transparent, and principled performance of prosecutorial duties. Staff were guided on the importance of maintaining accurate and comprehensive records as a foundation for institutional accountability, performance tracking, and evidence-based decision-making. In the same regard, a firm caution was issued against corruption in all its forms, with a clear reminder of the ethical standards expected of all officers. The inspection exercise significantly reinforced accountability frameworks, brought to light key areas requiring improvement, and reaffirmed best practices necessary for strengthening the administration of criminal justice. While commending the dedication and resilience demonstrated by staff, the Top Management strongly reiterated the enduring values of integrity, teamwork, and the pursuit of continuous institutional excellence. #ODPPUPDATES #ODPPUGANDA

ODPP’s Complaints Management Office held a sensitization training in Gulu Region for investigators & prosecutors. The session covered case file movement, drivers of complaints & best practices in homicide cases. Training ended with dissemination of key reports on complaints handling. #ODPP #Justice #ODPPUPDATES #ODPPUGANDA

*ODPP TOP MANAGEMENT UNDERTAKES HIGH-LEVEL INSPECTION IN HOIMA REGION TO STRENGTHEN JUSTICE DELIVERY* The Top Management of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), led by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Hon. Lino Anguzu, conducted a strategic inspection of prosecution stations across the Hoima Region from 23 to 24 March 2026. The mission assessed service delivery, operational efficiency, and adherence to professional standards across Hoima Regional Office and the Resident State Attorney offices in Hoima, Masindi, Kiryandongo, Buliisa, Kibale, and Kagadi. Engaging directly with staff, the DPP delivered a firm and principled message. He cautioned against corruption, underscored the centrality of evidence-based decision-making, and called for timely, high-quality prosecutorial actions. He further emphasised professionalism, proper record management, and the duty to serve and protect the public interest as the foundation for building trust in the justice system. The inspection reinforced accountability, identified areas for improvement, and promoted best practices aimed at enhancing the administration of criminal justice. While commending staff for their dedication, the Top Management stressed the enduring values of integrity, teamwork, and continuous institutional growth. The DPP was accompanied by Mr. Odumbi James Owere, Deputy DPP in charge of Prosecutions and International Affairs, and Ms. Agnes Kainza Nzogi, Permanent Secretary of the ODPP. This engagement forms part of the ODPP’s sustained commitment to a responsive, effective, and principled prosecution service anchored in the rule of law.#ODPPUPDATES #ODPPUGANDA

Delivering a compelling message, Ms. Agnes Kainza Nzogi, Permanent Secretary of the ODPP, underscored the need for a functional and accountable ODPP–CID partnership built on transparency and shared responsibility. Mr Odumbi James Owere, Deputy DPP in charge of Prosecutions and International Affairs, emphasised early coordination and timely investigations prior to arrest, and cautioned against the misuse of the criminal justice system in civil disputes and the use of informal settlements in serious offences. In his address, the DPP emphasised professionalism, integrity, and discipline as the pillars of justice delivery. He called for evidence-driven charging decisions grounded in the evidential and public-interest tests, stressing that only meritorious cases should proceed to avoid overwhelming the justice system. He further committed to addressing prosecutorial staffing gaps in the region. The meeting reinforced the urgency of timely investigations, robust evidence management, and seamless information sharing between investigators and prosecutors. It concluded with a renewed institutional commitment to uphold the rule of law through stronger coordination, accountability, and unwavering professional standards.#ODPPUPDATES #ODPPUGANDA

*DPP LEADS HIGH-LEVEL ODPP–CID COORDINATION IN HOIMA REGION TO STRENGTHEN CRIMINAL JUSTICE DELIVERY* The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Hon. Lino Anguzu, chaired a high-level ODPP–CID coordination meeting in the Hoima Region on 23 March 2026, aimed at deepening collaboration and sharpening the effectiveness of criminal investigations and prosecutions. The engagement brought to light critical operational challenges, including the loss of case files following a fire, highlighted by the Regional Officer, Assistant DPP Okello Richard. D/SP Twinamatsiko Godes (Deputy Regional CID Officer, Albertine South) and D/SP Rugubwa Rugendo (Deputy Regional CID Officer, Albertine North) actively participated in the discussions, commending the strong prosecutorial guidance that has significantly improved conviction rates, while highlighting operational gaps such as the absence of prosecutors in districts like Kakumiro.

Eid Mubarak! Wishing you peace, blessings, and joy this Eid al-Fitr. #EidMubarak #ODPPUGANDA

Together, we tackle HIV, TB & Malaria and protect justice for all. #HealthRights #JusticeForAll @JudiciaryUG @PoliceUg @UgandaPrisons @MinofHealthUG #ODPPUGANDA

A major step forward for justice and health in Uganda 🇺🇬 Today, the Health Rights Committee for the Criminal Justice System has been officially inaugurated, strengthening efforts to ensure equitable healthcare access and uphold human rights across police, prisons, and courts.

Join us LIVE on Elgon FM 101.4! Topic: Together Against Human Trafficking Exploring the role of Prosecutors & Police in combating this crime. Featuring: Asst. DPP Ms. Rose Tumuheise SP Rogers Crispus Taitika 18th March 2026 | 7:00–8:30 PM Let’s raise awareness and protect our communities. #ODPPUganda #EndHumanTrafficking #JusticeForAll #ODPPUPDATES