Chris Obore (left) is individually accused of allegedly embezzling Shs5.253 billion
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Senior parliament employees have been charged with embezzling up to Shs31 billion, according to a charge sheet filed by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG). The charges place some of Parliament’s most senior officials at the centre of a major corruption investigation, with prosecutors alleging that billions of shillings in public funds were diverted through abuse of office over a three-year period.
According to the charge sheet, Parliament’s Director of Communication and Public Affairs, Chris Ariko Obore, is accused of allegedly embezzling Shs5.253 billion. Director of Human Resource Daniel Adilo faces the largest individual allegation of Shs14.608 billion, while Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker Leonard Okema is accused of embezzling Shs3.489 billion.
Principal Research Officer Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu is accused of embezzling Shs2.17 billion, Capacity Development Officer Vincent Otebata allegedly embezzled Shs5.253 billion, while Personal Assistant Stella Itute is accused of embezzling Shs75 million. Combined, the individual allegations amount to nearly Shs31 billion in suspected embezzled public funds.
Ambit of the law
The officials are charged with embezzlement contrary to Section 18(a) and (i)(iii) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Cap 116. Prosecutors allege that while employed by Parliament, the accused stole public funds that came into their possession by virtue of their official positions.
The charge sheet, prepared by Brenda Kimbugwe Mawanda, the Manager for Prosecutions at the Inspectorate of Government, also contains counts of causing financial loss under Section 19(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act.
In addition to the embezzlement allegations, six of the accused have been jointly charged with money laundering under Sections 3(b) and (e), 119 and 139(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Cap 118.
According to prosecutors, between January 2023 and April 2026, the accused persons knowingly processed, approved and received Shs10.893 billion, which investigators allege were proceeds of crime. The money laundering count names Chris Obore, Daniel Adilo, Leonard Okema, Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Vincent Otebata and Methods Murebe, the Chief Executive Officer of the Parliamentary SACCO.
IGG investigations
The Inspector General of Government, Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, is indicated on the charge sheet as having consented to the prosecution of the accused persons.
The arrests followed an operation by investigators on Thursday after the officials were directed to leave the ongoing induction programme for Members of Parliament at Speke Resort Munyonyo and report to the Inspectorate of Government headquarters at Jubilee House to record statements.
Upon arrival, the officials reportedly found heavy deployments of police and military personnel surrounding the premises before they were formally detained. Earlier in the day, officials from the Inspectorate of Government said the suspects had initially been invited to provide statements before investigators decided to place them under arrest.
The officials are expected to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court to answer the charges.
The arrests represent one of the most significant corruption investigations involving Parliament officials in recent years. The investigation has widened over the past several weeks as investigators scrutinise the management of parliamentary resources, including funds allegedly withdrawn through personal accounts.
Billions of Shillings diverted
Investigators allege that the suspects were involved in processing and approving payments before portions of the money were allegedly diverted. The prosecution contends that the accused abused positions of trust within Parliament to access and embezzle public funds intended for official government activities.
Although the total amount cited in the money laundering charge is Shs10.893 billion, the individual embezzlement allegations against the six officials are substantially higher, amounting to approximately Shs30.848 billion. Daniel Adilo accounts for nearly half of the total amount allegedly embezzled, with prosecutors accusing him of misappropriating Shs14.608 billion. Chris Obore and Vincent Otebata each face allegations involving Shs5.253 billion, while Leonard Okema is accused of embezzling Shs3.489 billion. Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu allegedly embezzled Shs2.17 billion, and Stella Itute is accused of taking Shs75 million.
The Inspectorate of Government has continued expanding its investigations into Parliament’s financial operations. Over recent weeks, several officials have been questioned over the management of public funds and transactions linked to the Parliamentary SACCO and other financial activities.
Anita Annet Among heavily implicated
Former Speaker Anita Annet Among has not been arrested in connection with the latest charges. However, investigators have previously searched her residences in Kampala, Kigo and Bukedea, as well as her former office at Parliament, as part of the broader investigations into alleged financial impropriety.
Investigators have also searched multiple parliamentary offices as they seek evidence relating to the management of parliamentary resources and the activities of officials who served under the former Speaker’s administration.
By Thursday afternoon, neither Parliament nor the Inspectorate of Government had issued a comprehensive public statement on the arrests. The accused officials remained in custody pending their appearance before the Anti-Corruption Court, where they are expected to formally respond to the charges of embezzlement, causing financial loss and money laundering.
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