By Johannah Nantongo
The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has set September 9, 2026, to rule on bail applications filed by several former parliamentary officials implicated in the multi-billion shilling Parliamentary Commission corruption scandal.
Justice Michael Elubu set the date on Monday after listening to bail applications from five of the accused persons and directing both the defense and prosecution to file written submissions to save court time.
“I am going to give you a schedule,” Justice Elubu informed the court, observing that all seven applications were built on nearly identical grounds and that hearing each one orally in detail would be overly time-consuming.
Under the court’s timeline, the applicants must file their written submissions by August 7, while the Office of the Inspector General of Government (IGG) has until August 14 to respond. Any rejoinders must be submitted by August 19. The court will hear bail applications for the remaining suspects on August 6.
On Monday, the court heard applications from Jimmy Mureebe (former Parliamentary Commissioner for Parliamentary Affairs), Daniel Adilo (former Director of Human Resources), Chris Obore (former Director of Communication and Public Affairs), alongside Rajab Kaaya and Leonard Okema.
The application for Emmanuel Okwi, the former Director of Finance, was deferred after the court noted that his documentation was incomplete.
Applying for Mureebe’s release, lawyer Apollo Makubuya told the court that his 59-year-old client has a fixed residence in Mukono Municipality, serves as the CEO of the Parliamentary SACCO, and suffers from medical conditions requiring specialized care.
“My Lord, the applicant has a constitutional right to apply for bail. He is law-abiding, has substantial sureties, and is facing charges that do not require exceptional circumstances for a grant of bail,” Mr. Makubuya submitted, adding that Mureebe has no prior criminal record.
Mureebe is jointly charged alongside others over alleged money laundering involving Shs10 billion.
Similar pleas were presented for Adilo, who confirmed he had already been interdicted from his post as Director of Human Resources. The State charges Adilo with embezzling Shs14 billion, causing financial loss of Shs27 billion jointly with six others, and laundering Shs10 billion.
Meanwhile, Obore also applied for bail, with his legal team arguing that he maintains a permanent residence and has presented substantial sureties. During proceedings, Obore complained that IGG investigators had visited his rented residence in government vehicles, but Justice Elubu declined to entertain the grievance, directing all parties to stay focused on the bail application.
State prosecutors from the Inspectorate of Government strongly opposed the bail applications, citing inadequate documentation and potential witness tampering.
The State questioned the authenticity of Mureebe’s land title—arguing that portions were illegible—and asserted that several sureties failed to provide sufficient proof of financial capacity or property ownership.
Prosecution further argued that investigations are ongoing and that many key state witnesses remain active employees at Parliament, raising fears of interference if the suspects are released.
However, Justice Elubu pressed the prosecution on those fears after learning that Mureebe had not been interdicted and continues to serve as CEO of the Parliamentary SACCO.
“What is the basis of this submission that the accused will interfere with witnesses?” Justice Elubu questioned.
The former officials are jointly facing charges of embezzlement, causing financial loss, and money laundering stemming from the alleged mismanagement of billions of shillings at the Parliamentary Commission.
Justice Elubu confirmed that the court will review all written submissions before rendering its decision on September 9 to determine whether the suspects will be granted temporary relief pending trial.