Hoima residents demand action over alleged extortion by justice officials
Samuel Tusiime, a resident of Isaak Kijungu, said he reported a criminal case in 2022 but the file had not been processed since then, delaying his access to justice.
Anderson Kyahurwa, LC1 chairman of Kyarwiru Cell, speaks during the Baraza. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
___________________ Deputy DPP George William Byansi (right) addresses residents during a Baraza in Hoima City. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi) Regional Chief State Attorney John Ochopa (right), whom residents demanded be transferred, sits with Albertine Region Deputy Police Commander Titus Byaruhanga during the Baraza. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
Residents of Hoima City have accused police officers and officers from the Hoima chief resident state attorney’s office of extortion, alleging that the practice is making it difficult for poor people to access justice.
The residents made the allegations during a community baraza organised by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in partnership with the International Development Law Organisation. The baraza was organised on September 10, 2026, to address gender-based violence, land crimes and refugee protection.
Speaking at the baraza, which was chaired by the deputy DPP for inspections, quality assurance, research, and training, George William Byansi, and held at the Hoima city resident commissioner’s office, Asiimwe Kasiimu, a resident of Bujumbura cell, said the Hoima resident state attorney’s office had turned into an extortion centre.
He demanded that state attorneys be transferred quarterly, arguing that their prolonged stay in the area makes them get used to the environment and establish relationships with brokers who help them bargain their dirty deals.
"This office is like a forex bureau; it is an office for money exchange. When one has no money, his or her file cannot be sectioned," he said and demanded the transfer of the officers.
The residents also pointed the finger at the Hoima chief state attorney, John Ochopa, accusing him of being involved in extortion at his office.
She alleged that Ochopa cannot sanction any case file without receiving money, adding that it is very difficult for poor people to access justice because of corruption.
She added that many people are languishing in prison because they are arrested and incarcerated on trumped-up charges due to bribery at the office.
Samuel Tusiime, a resident of Isaak Kijungu, said he reported a criminal case in 2022 but the file had not been processed since then, delaying his access to justice.
Police allegations
Residents also accused police officers of extortion, although they did not identify the officers by name.
Anderson Kyahurwa, the LC1 chairperson of Kyarwiru cell in Hoima East division, said the community was turning to mob justice because of a lack of trust in the police.
He alleged that people seeking police bond and police dog services are required to pay money. Kyahurwa added that when a person reports a case to police, the officer demands money for transport before arresting the suspect.
"Recently thieves stole my son's pig. I reported a case at Kinuubi Police Station, but police officers made me pay sh100,000 for transport. Unfortunately, even after arresting the suspect, the police release suspects who pay them, and this puts the lives of the complainants at risk," he said.
Annette Nsenga, from Bujumbura East, said accessing justice through the courts was a nightmare.
Officers respond
However, George Kunihira, the chief magistrate at Hoima Chief Magistrate's Court, called on all those with missing files to visit his office so they could find a way of tracing them.
“File don't get lost; we keep files in soft and hard copy.
Titus Byaruhanga, the Albertine Region deputy police commander, said police services are free and urged community members to report undisciplined officers.
He said the police have a unit, the Police Standards Unit, that handles errant officers.
John Ochopa, who attended the baraza, declined to speak to the media after the meeting. However, Byansi assured the community that the DPP's top management would investigate the allegations and, if it was established that the officer had engaged in extortion, take punitive action against him.
“All the issues you have raised here about our officer, I have taken note of them, and I cannot make a decision alone here. I promise that the issues are going to be handled at the highest level and with the seriousness they deserve," Byansi said.
"We appreciate the people here for being open to tell us what is happening on the ground because sometimes we do not know; things may be happening when we do not know, but when they are raised, we shall study, investigate them, and if we confirm, our officers can be subjected to disciplinary action or prosecution,” Byansi added.
However, Byansi challenged the community to always report issues affecting justice delivery to the authorities instead of dying in silence.