The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has issued a stern warning against what it describes as deliberate falsehoods aimed at undermining the integrity of the criminal justice system. This follows allegations made in court by murder suspect Abdul Semujju alias Minana, who accused a State Attorney of participating in the torture of suspects in safe houses.
According to a press release issued on Friday, 12th December, Semujju, who is charged with the murder of Assistant DPP Joan Namazzi Kagezi made the accusations during proceedings before the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on December 10, 2025.
The ODPP said the claims were “false, baseless, and malicious,” intended to tarnish the reputation of State Attorney Birivumbuka Richard, who was present in court representing the prosecution.
The prosecution body described the allegations as outlandish attempts to mislead the public and cast doubt on the professionalism of the prosecutors handling the high-profile case.
“These allegations have no factual basis and were made to assassinate the character of a prosecutor performing his lawful duties,” the ODPP stated.
The ODPP cautioned that false claims of torture particularly in sensitive cases pose a serious threat to the integrity of the justice system. Such allegations, it said, not only endanger the individual prosecutors targeted but also undermine public confidence in the prosecutorial process.
The statement warned that these tactics risk eroding trust in the fairness and credibility of ongoing proceedings, especially when amplified on social media without verification.
“Intimidation tactics and misinformation threaten both the individual prosecutors and the integrity of the prosecutorial process itself,” the ODPP emphasized.
The ODPP reaffirmed that its prosecutors will continue executing their duties without fear, despite attempts by accused persons to derail cases through false allegations. It stressed that prosecutors interact with suspects only within the limits of the law, during lawful court procedures, and never participate in acts of torture or illegal detention.
The institution also urged the public to be cautious about consuming and sharing unverified information that could distort the facts of ongoing court cases.
In its concluding remarks, the ODPP reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all criminal cases are handled fairly, professionally, and without undue interference.
Jacquelyn Okui, the Public Relations Officer encouraged the public and media to rely only on verified information.
