Archival Sense
Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 47
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Officials from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Uganda) (ODPP) have revealed a deepening crisis within Uganda’s justice system, exposing severe staffing shortages that are crippling the country’s ability to deliver timely and effective prosecutions.
Appearing before Parliament, the officials disclosed that the institution is currently operating at just about 40 percent of its approved staffing structure. Out of 1,734 sanctioned positions, only 699 are filled, leaving a staggering gap of more than 1,000 unoccupied posts.
The shortage is most pronounced among state attorneys, where a significant number of senior and principal prosecutorial roles remain vacant. In several districts, the burden has fallen on a single prosecutor who must juggle multiple responsibilities across different courts.
The overstretched prosecutors are tasked with reviewing police case files, preparing witnesses, attending court sessions, and handling public complaints, often all at once. The result is a system under immense strain, struggling to keep up with the demands placed upon it.
The consequences are increasingly visible. Court proceedings are frequently delayed, cases collapse due to poor preparation and lack of follow through, and adjournments have become routine.
The crisis has been building over time, repeatedly flagged in government reports without meaningful resolution. As far back as 2022, authorities reported that more than 45 districts lacked resident prosecutors, leaving entire regions without adequate legal representation for the state.
Subsequent reports by the Office of the Auditor General of Uganda, including the 2023/24 and 2024/25 audits, continued to highlight the persistent staffing gaps within the prosecution service.
Although the number of districts without prosecutors has slightly reduced, the problem remains widespread. Currently, 32 districts still lack resident prosecutors, including Buvuma, Namisindwa, Lwengo, Bukomansimbi, Rubanda, Rukiga, Kitagwenda, Rwampara, Amudat, Tororo and Mbarara District (Rural), among others.
Appearing before Parliament, the officials disclosed that the institution is currently operating at just about 40 percent of its approved staffing structure. Out of 1,734 sanctioned positions, only 699 are filled, leaving a staggering gap of more than 1,000 unoccupied posts.
The shortage is most pronounced among state attorneys, where a significant number of senior and principal prosecutorial roles remain vacant. In several districts, the burden has fallen on a single prosecutor who must juggle multiple responsibilities across different courts.
The overstretched prosecutors are tasked with reviewing police case files, preparing witnesses, attending court sessions, and handling public complaints, often all at once. The result is a system under immense strain, struggling to keep up with the demands placed upon it.
The consequences are increasingly visible. Court proceedings are frequently delayed, cases collapse due to poor preparation and lack of follow through, and adjournments have become routine.
The crisis has been building over time, repeatedly flagged in government reports without meaningful resolution. As far back as 2022, authorities reported that more than 45 districts lacked resident prosecutors, leaving entire regions without adequate legal representation for the state.
Subsequent reports by the Office of the Auditor General of Uganda, including the 2023/24 and 2024/25 audits, continued to highlight the persistent staffing gaps within the prosecution service.
Although the number of districts without prosecutors has slightly reduced, the problem remains widespread. Currently, 32 districts still lack resident prosecutors, including Buvuma, Namisindwa, Lwengo, Bukomansimbi, Rubanda, Rukiga, Kitagwenda, Rwampara, Amudat, Tororo and Mbarara District (Rural), among others.
