DPP office not in 104 courts, absent in 34 districts

The Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) is concerned that their budget for the Financial Year 2024/25 has been slashed from Shs92 billion to Shs87 billion, saying prosecution performance could be affected.

According to DPP Undersecretary Agnes Khaiza, failure to reinstate the Shs3.3 billion will result into a number of staff missing their salaries.

The Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee chaired by MP Robinah Rwakoojo on Tuesday interfaced with the office of the DPP and the Judicial Service Commission where they presented their budget estimates for the financial year 2024/2025.

The deputy Director of Public Prosecution, James Owere, also revealed how the office of DPP is not available in 104 courts and absent in 34 districts, hence the need for Shs8 billion to facilitate the recruitment of more legal and non-legal officers.

Also 7.5bn shillings for the procurement of 13 pickups, an additional 1bn to enhance the security of their upcountry stations, Shs5bn for managing the cases well and Shs5bn for the witness protection.

In the same meeting, the office of DPP asked Parliament to speed up the process of enacting the witness protection law and Mutual legal assistance law if they are to execute their work well.

To legislators, there is need for additional funds given to the entity but raising the issue of the increasing loss of files that is affecting the execution of justices.

The Judicial Service Commission also appeared and raised of the issue of the Shs1.9bn that has not been provided have the shortfall in wage.