By Joseph Kiggundu
KAMPALA .Seven Parliamentary officials, including the director of communications and public affairs, Mr Chris Obore, have been further remanded to Luzira Prison on corruption-related offences in connection with theft of shs70billion.
Others include; Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu (Principal Research Officer); Emmanuel Okwi Emuron (Principal Protocol Officer); Daniel Adilo (Director, Human Resource); Leonard Okema (Executive Secretary at the Office of the Speaker); Methods Murebe (Parliamentary Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Limited Chief Executive Officer) and Vincent Otebata (Capacity Development Officer).
The seven officials were jointly charged alongside Stella Itute, the Supervisor in the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms at Parliament, who did not turn up in court. Itute is reportedly unwell.
When the case resumed today (July 7), the Inspectorate of Government prosecutors led by Daisy Acio informed the Anti-Corruption Court that investigations into the matter are still ongoing.
This prompted court presided over by Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe to remand the accused persons until July 27, 2026, when they are expected to come back for mention of their case.
The parliament staff were charged with seven counts of embezzlement, contrary to section 18 (a) and (i) (iii) of the Anti-Corruption Act, and causing financial loss contrary to section 19 (1) of the same Act.
They were also charged with money laundering, contrary to section 3 (b) and (e) 119 and 139 (1) (a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
The offence of embezzlement carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment, a fine not exceeding sh6.7m, or both, while the offence of causing financial loss elicits a 14-year jail term.
In addition, a person convicted under the Act is disqualified from holding public office for a period not exceeding 10 years. The offence of money laundering elicits 15 years in jail or a fine not exceeding sh2b or both.
Allegations
Prosecution alleges that between 2023 and May 2026, at Parliament, Obore stole sh5.25b belonging to his employer, Parliament, to which he had access by virtue of his employment.
The state alleges that Adilo and Okema stole sh14.6billion and sh3.48billion, respectively, from their employer during the same period by virtue of the positions they held.
According to the charge sheet, Ssemalulu is accused of stealing sh2.17billion, while Emuron allegedly stole sh1.1billion. Itute is accused of stealing sh75million, while Otebata allegedly stole sh5.25billion during the same period.
Prosecutors allege that between 2023 and May 2026, the accused received funds earmarked for Parliament’s donations and Corporate Social Responsibility activities, but failed to implement the intended activities, knowing or having reason to believe that their actions would cause financial loss to the Government of Uganda.
Prosecution contends that the accused persons’ actions resulted into a financial loss of sh27.2billion to the Government.
In addition, prosecution alleges that with the exception of Itute, the accused persons between January 2023 and April 2026, at Parliament in Kampala, processed, approved and received sh10.89billion while knowing that the funds were proceeds of crime.