The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), through its Anti-Corruption Department (ACD), on May 5, 2026 convened a regional stakeholders’ engagement on corruption and corruption-related offences at Nyaika Hotel in Fort Portal.
The engagement formed part of the ODPP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases. It brought together prosecutors, investigators, and law enforcement officers from the districts of Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Bunyangabo, Kamwenge, Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Kitagwenda, and Fort Portal.
The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting the enforcement of anti-corruption measures and to develop practical, locally driven solutions aimed at improving the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases. Participants emphasized the importance of evidence-based investigations, institutional cooperation, and coordinated action in addressing corruption and impunity.
In her welcome remarks, the Regional Officer, Ms. Harriet Adubango, warned that corruption has the potential to infiltrate investigations, prosecutions, and the wider criminal justice system, ultimately undermining justice delivery. She urged all participants to treat the fight against corruption as a shared responsibility and encouraged open discussions on effective anti-corruption strategies.
Ms. Agaba Abigail, Chief State Attorney and Deputy Head of the Anti-Corruption Department, highlighted the importance of collecting and preserving evidence in line with procedural requirements to guarantee its admissibility in court. She also outlined the ODPP’s approach to handling corruption cases and stressed the need for continuous coordination between investigators and prosecutors throughout investigations and prosecutions.
Mr. Stanley Baine Moses, Chief State Attorney and Deputy Head of the ACD, explained the ODPP’s unique role in combating corruption in line with the constitutional mandate of the Director of Public Prosecutions. He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to collaboration and coordination with partner institutions to ensure effective handling of corruption cases.
The Regional Police Commander for Fort Portal, SSP Wabwire Joab, observed that corruption affects all sectors of society and called for stronger cooperation among law enforcement agencies. He noted that the fight against corruption requires collective effort and cannot be handled by one institution alone.
Captain Gilbert Winyi, the Resident Internal Security Officer (RISO) for the Fort Portal Region, discussed the role of intelligence in supporting anti-corruption efforts. He emphasized the importance of timely handling of cases to prevent avoidable complications and urged officers to maintain integrity and dedication while serving the public.
Closing the engagement, Ms. Josephine Namatovu, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of the Anti-Corruption Department, thanked participants for their active involvement and reaffirmed the ODPP’s commitment to collaborative approaches in combating corruption. She noted that initiatives such as Prosecution-Guided Investigations and Case Management meetings are intended to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and improve the effectiveness of corruption case management.