The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) this week withdrew charges against State Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Amos Lugoloobi, in the controversial Karamoja Mabaati saga, sparking widespread public outrage and renewed skepticism about accountability in Uganda.
The charges, officially dropped on the grounds of being “not in the public interest,” have provoked criticism from political actors, analysts, and anti-corruption advocates, with many urging the newly appointed DPP, Lino Anguzu, to revisit the files and restore confidence in the office.
Lugoloobi was among several officials implicated in the alleged diversion of iron sheets (mabaati) intended for vulnerable communities in Karamoja.
The withdrawal has left many questioning the government’s motives, especially given President Museveni’s earlier promise of swift political and legal action during the height of the scandal.
Former Deputy IGG Waswa Lule called on authorities to clarify the circumstances behind the controversial decision, while analyst Leonard Egesa condemned it as a “game of impunity,” linking the development to a broader culture of corruption and selective justice for high-profile figures.
Egesa noted, “The perception of corruption is damaging the state’s legitimacy. In a game of impunity, the networks determine justice.” He, however, suggested that the matter could still be resurrected: “The files are still alive and can still be dealt with.”
Veteran political commentator Professor Luboga Christopher encouraged citizens to seek alternative legal remedies, such as applying for judicial review, but expressed concern over the political interference that often undermines anti-corruption efforts.
“There is always a political element behind that. The files are likely to collapse one by one,” he said.
Amid the backlash, public and political pressure is mounting on DPP Anguzu to act decisively and transparently. Egesa called on the new DPP to “redeem the image of the office and never act in a politician’s interest.”
The controversy has reignited criticism of Uganda’s anti-corruption mechanisms, with Professor Luboga warning that failures to act decisively risk further eroding public trust. “The law is about justice, but it is also a moral question. We have lost the battle,” he stated.
As investigations into the Mabaati saga continue, questions remain about the fate of implicated ministers, the justification for Lugoloobi’s charge withdrawal, and whether the ODPP can restore its credibility.
Analysts agree that the coming weeks are critical for the DPP to demonstrate independence and accountability in the fight against corruption.