news 24 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

ODPP Warns Prosecutors Against Misuse of Government Vehicles

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has cautioned its prosecutors against abusing government-issued vehicles, emphasizing that red number plates do not grant immunity from traffic laws. This warning comes as 32 new vehicles were distributed to prosecutors. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/odpp-warns-prosecutors-against-abusing-govt-vehicles-5607482

Prosecutors in Uganda have been put on notice by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) regarding the proper use of government vehicles. The ODPP Permanent Secretary, Agnes Kainza, issued a stern warning against violating traffic rules, stressing that vehicles with red number plates are not exempt from the law.

Kainza’s remarks were made during the handover ceremony for 32 new vehicles intended to enhance the mobility of prosecutors, particularly in underserved areas. She urged recipients to be mindful of other road users and to ensure vehicles are parked only in designated areas.

“Most of the time, government officers driving cars with red number plates don’t respect the road rules. Please respect the road rules, respect other road users,” Kainza stated, echoing public concerns about the frequent misuse of official vehicles.

Director of Public Prosecutions Lino Anguzu reiterated that the vehicles are a privilege meant to improve service delivery, not for personal enjoyment. He advised prosecutors to seek clear guidelines on vehicle usage to avoid disciplinary actions. Anguzu specifically warned against lending vehicles to spouses or using them during unofficial hours.

Furthermore, Anguzu highlighted the critical need for prosecutors to effectively supervise their assigned drivers. He pointed out that poor oversight often leads to the misuse and damage of government assets.

The addition of these 32 vehicles increases the ODPP’s fleet to over 130, a significant improvement from the 95 vehicles available when Kainza joined, many of which were outdated and prone to breakdowns. The ODPP aims to equip all its 148 field stations, with over 100 currently having vehicles. The new vehicles are expected to significantly boost efficiency for prosecutors in remote locations.

This initiative aims to ensure prosecutors can attend court sessions and perform their duties more effectively across the country. For more details, refer to the Daily Monitor.