Nakyobe Warns Prosecutors Against Political Pressure and Abuse of Justice

Head of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe has cautioned prosecutors against political interference, corruption and abuse of office, warning that unprofessional conduct undermines justice, overcrowds prisons and damages public trust in the legal system.

The Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, has warned prosecutors attending the Prosecutors Symposium 2026 in Kampala against yielding to political influence and financial interference while executing their duties.

Speaking during the opening of the week-long symposium, Nakyobe condemned instances where prosecutors allegedly side with criminals, including land grabbers, instead of upholding justice, professionalism and the rule of law.

“Lack of professionalism injures innocent people, overcrowds prisons, and wastes taxpayers’ money,” Nakyobe said.

She urged prosecutors to remain independent, ethical and committed to justice regardless of pressure from powerful individuals or vested interests.

Nakyobe also called on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to continue investing in capacity building, mentorship and mental health support for prosecutors in order to strengthen the justice system and improve service delivery.

The symposium, held under the theme “Enhancing Professionalism for Responsive Prosecution Services,” has brought together prosecutors from across the country to discuss ways of improving coordination, professionalism and responsiveness in the prosecution process.

Officials from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said the conference is intended to strengthen collaboration among prosecutors while enhancing efficiency in the delivery of justice services.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Lino Anguzu, also stressed the importance of professionalism and integrity within prosecution services.

Anguzu linked effective prosecution to Uganda’s broader development agenda, including the Fourth National Development Plan and the country’s ambition to achieve tenfold economic growth by 2040.

“A country cannot develop if crime is not addressed. For example, tourism cannot flourish amid insecurity, and when criminality is tolerated, growth is hindered,” Anguzu noted.

He further challenged prosecutors to reflect on the human impact of their work, reminding them that every case file represents real lives and serious consequences.

“Behind every file is a human being. It is not just a piece of paper. There are tears, futures, and destinies attached to those files. You stand between liberty and imprisonment, justice and impunity,” Anguzu added.

The remarks come at a time when public scrutiny around Uganda’s justice system, land conflicts and politically sensitive prosecutions continues to intensify, with judicial and prosecution institutions increasingly under pressure to demonstrate independence, fairness and accountability.