The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has arrested seven senior officials from the Parliament of Uganda over allegations of embezzlement and money laundering involving billions of shillings. The suspects are expected to be arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court.
Those arrested include Chris Ariko Obore, Director of Communications and Public Affairs; Adilo Daniel, Director of Human Resources; Okema Leonard, Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker; Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Principal Research Officer; Okwi Emmanuel Emuron, Principal Protocol Officer; Otebata Vincent, Capacity Development Officer; and Murebe Methods, Chief Executive Officer of the Parliamentary SACCO.
According to charge documents seen by investigators, the officials are facing multiple counts of embezzlement contrary to Section 18 (a) and (i)(iii) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Cap 116, allegedly committed between 2023 and May 2026 within Parliament.
The allegations indicate that the accused persons individually siphoned public funds in different transactions.
In Count I, Chris Obore is accused of embezzling UGX 5.253 billion, while in Count II, Adilo Daniel is alleged to have diverted UGX 14.608 billion.
In Count III, Okema Leonard is accused of embezzling UGX 3.489 billion, while Count IV charges Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu with allegedly diverting UGX 2.170 billion.
In Count VII, Otebata Vincent is accused of embezzling UGX 5.253 billion.
The charge sheet further indicates a joint money laundering count against Okema Leonard, Chris Obore, Adilo Daniel, Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Otebata Vincent, and Murebe Methods. The alleged offence is said to have occurred between January 2023 and April 2026.
Prosecutors allege that the group processed, approved, and received UGX 10.893 billion, knowing or having reason to believe that the funds were proceeds of crime, contrary to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Cap 118.
The case has been sanctioned for prosecution by Hon. Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, the Inspector General of Government, while charges are being preferred by Brenda Kimbugwe Mawanda, Manager of Prosecutions.
The suspects remain in custody pending their appearance before the Anti-Corruption Court.