DPP pushes Parliament to back recruitment of 100 more state attorneys

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Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lino Anguzu has called for increased parliamentary support to enable the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to recruit more state attorneys and improve access to prosecution services across the country.

The call was made while he was addressing 38 newly recruited state attorneys undergoing a one-week induction training that commenced April 13, 2026, at Las Vegas Hotel in Mbarara City North Division, Mbarara city.

Anguzu thanked Parliament and the Ministry of Finance for facilitating the recruitment of the 38 state attorneys, but noted that the institution still faces a significant staffing gap.

He called for additional funding to recruit at least 100 more state attorneys before the end of the year.

He also urged the Ministry of Finance to support the institution’s digital transformation agenda, noting that handling cases digitally would improve efficiency in service delivery.

Anguzu explained that the recruitment of the 38 state attorneys brings the total number of officers in the DPP to 428, which he described as insufficient given the institution’s presence across 47 stations, including 19 regional offices and close to 170 offices nationwide.

DPP Lino Anguzu (3rd from left) with other officers from DPP posing for the photo with 38 new State Attorneys who are undergoing a one-week induction training which kicked off today morning (13.04.2026) at Las Vegas Hotel in Mbarara City North Division-Mbarara City. 

He added that prior to the recruitment, the institution faced a critical staff shortage and was unable to effectively service nearly 80 courts across the country, which affected service delivery.

“Receiving these 38 state attorneys for us is a great and significant thing. It is going to help to service the courts, which have been struggling because of a shortage of state prosecutors and state attorneys, and we thank the government and all partners who enabled this training to occur," he said.

On the induction, he explained that it is essential to ground the newly recruited state attorneys in their roles, assess their capabilities, and strengthen their integrity and ethical conduct.

He cautioned the new recruits against adopting poor work ethics or compromising their integrity, warning them against making decisions they cannot defend.

Deputy DPP John Baptist Asiimwe asked the new state attorneys to be passionate about their work, while warning them about the risks of operating in a corrupt environment and urging them to resist corrupt tendencies.

“Make sure you are beyond reproach, be mindful of this era of technology that anything can be crafted and must be careful to keep your career,” he added.

He also urged them to remain professional, uphold justice, and protect the reputation of the institution.

“If you are going to do something, be mindful of how the DPP will take it if it reaches him. Is it the right decision or is it not?" he stated.

Agness Kainza Nzogi, the permanent secretary, urged the new recruits to protect the rights of every individual and society as officers of justice, serve with honour, wisdom and integrity, and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives while speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.