Seven senior officials of the Parliament of Uganda, including Director of Communications and Public Affairs Chris Obore, have been arrested by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) over allegations of embezzlement, money laundering and causing financial loss involving billions of shillings.
The officials were arrested after reporting to the IGG headquarters in Kampala to record statements before being detained and later arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court.
Those arrested are Chris Ariko Obore, Director of Communications and Public Affairs; Daniel Adilo, Director of Human Resource; Leonard Okema, Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker; Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Principal Research Officer; Emmanuel Emuron Okwi, Principal Protocol Officer; Stella Itute, Personal Assistant; Vincent Otebata, Capacity Development Officer; and Methods Murebe, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative Savings and Credit Society (SACCO).
The arrests mark one of the biggest anti-corruption operations targeting Parliament’s senior administrative staff in recent years.
Billions Allegedly Stolen
According to charge sheets approved by Inspector General of Government Aisha Batala Nalule, the officials are accused of embezzling billions of shillings from Parliament between 2023 and May 2026.
Chris Obore is accused of stealing Shs5.25 billion while serving as Director of Communications and Public Affairs. Prosecutors allege that he unlawfully appropriated funds belonging to Parliament, which he had access to by virtue of his office.
Daniel Adilo faces the largest claim in the case. He is accused of embezzling Shs14.6 billion, with prosecutors alleging that he stole funds entrusted to him during his tenure as Director of Human Resource.Leonard Okema is charged with allegedly stealing Shs3.49 billion, while Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu is accused of embezzling Shs2.17 billion.
Vincent Otebata faces charges involving Shs5.25 billion, Emmanuel Emuron Okwi is accused of embezzling Shs1.1 billion, and Stella Itute is charged with stealing Shs75 million.Methods Murebe, the CEO of the Uganda Parliamentary SACCO, has also been implicated in the investigations.
Money Laundering Charges
Beyond the embezzlement accusations, prosecutors have slapped several of the suspects with money laundering charges.
The prosecution alleges that Obore, Adilo, Okema, Ssemalulu, Otebata and Murebe processed, approved and received approximately Shs10.89 billion knowing the money was proceeds of crime.The charges have been brought under the Anti-Corruption Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Background to the Arrests
The arrests are the latest development in a wide-ranging corruption investigation that has rocked Parliament over the past several weeks.Investigators have been examining the management of parliamentary funds, procurement processes and staff payments following allegations of widespread financial abuse within the institution.
The probe intensified after security agencies launched investigations into former Speaker Anita Annet Among over allegations related to corruption, wealth declaration and the management of parliamentary resources.
During the investigations, detectives reportedly searched properties linked to the former Speaker in Nakasero, Kigo and Bukedea, seized documents and electronic devices, and impounded several luxury vehicles as part of ongoing inquiries.
Investigators are now shifting attention from the political leadership to the administrative officers believed to have processed and managed financial transactions within Parliament.The prosecution of senior accounting, communications, protocol, research and human resource officials suggests investigators believe the alleged diversion of public funds involved multiple departments.
Court Appearance
The suspects are expected to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court to answer charges of embezzlement, causing financial loss and money laundering.
If convicted, they could face lengthy prison sentences, confiscation of assets and other penalties provided under Uganda’s anti-corruption laws.The IGG has indicated that investigations are still ongoing and that additional suspects could be charged if more evidence emerges.
Mixed Public Reactions
News of the arrests generated intense debate on social media, with many Ugandans expressing differing opinions on the anti-corruption operation.Author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija mocked one of the names on the charge sheet, writing, “Mureebe Methods… what a name!”
In another post, Kakwenza argued that while officials accused of stealing public funds are often granted bail, government critics protesting corruption frequently face harsher treatment, including prolonged detention.Political commentator Gideon Nova Kwikiriza said the arrests vindicated activists who had earlier raised concerns about alleged corruption within Parliament.
“I just remembered that we were arrested during 2024 simply because we tried to show the world that the Obores were stealing money,” he posted.Veteran journalist Nicholas Sengoba noted that the arrests represented one of the largest crackdowns on Parliament staff in recent years.
Other social media users welcomed the arrests, saying they demonstrated that no public official should be above the law, while others urged investigators to pursue all individuals implicated regardless of their rank or political connections.
Growing Scrutiny
The case is expected to intensify public scrutiny of Parliament, an institution that has repeatedly come under criticism over allegations of extravagant expenditure, questionable procurement practices and misuse of taxpayers’ money.Anti-corruption campaigners have welcomed the prosecutions but argue that meaningful accountability will depend on whether investigations are pursued impartially and lead to successful convictions where evidence supports the charges.
As the Anti-Corruption Court begins hearing the case, the prosecution is expected to present evidence detailing how the alleged embezzlement scheme operated and the role each accused official allegedly played in the diversion of public funds. All the accused remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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