news 3 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
DPP Stands Firm Against Presidential Order to Drop Shs60 Billion Fraud Charges
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is resisting a presidential directive to drop corruption charges against nine finance ministry officials, stating that the evidence does not exonerate them. The DPP suggests the President may have received inaccurate information, while acknowledging a review of the case. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/dpp-resists-presidential-directive-to-drop-shs60b-fraud-charges-against-finance-chiefs-5582846
Despite a directive from the Head of Public Service, Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, to lift the interdiction of several senior Ministry of Finance officials implicated in an alleged Shs60 billion cyber fraud at the Bank of Uganda, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) intends to proceed with the case.
Ms. Nakyobe’s August 17 letter, referencing a July 29 directive from President Yoweri Museveni, instructed the Ministry of Finance to reinstate former Accountant General Lawrence Semakula and other implicated officials, including Jennifer Muhuruzi, Pedson Twesigomwe, Debora Kusiima, Tony Yawe, Judith Ashaba, Paul Lumala, Mark Kaiiku, and Betina Nayebare. The directive also included renewing contracts for some officials.
However, these administrative actions stand in contrast to the ongoing judicial proceedings at the Anti-Corruption Court. During a recent court session, defense lawyer Mwesigwa Rukutana questioned the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) failure to withdraw the charges, citing the presidential order.
The state, represented by Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka, rejected the defense’s assertion that executive directives automatically halt criminal proceedings. Mr. Birivumbuka argued that the defense was not providing clear details of the presidential instructions.
Speaking to this publication, DPP Mr. Lino Anguzu confirmed that the criminal proceedings will continue. He stated that the evidence currently available does not exonerate any of the nine suspects, suggesting that the President might have been given incorrect information. Mr. Anguzu also mentioned that his office is reviewing certain aspects of the case.
Meanwhile, Finance Ministry spokesperson Jim Mugunga indicated that while he was not aware of Ms. Nakyobe’s letter, executive instructions are typically prioritized for implementation through established procedures.