Parliament Officials, Including Director Chris Obore, Remanded in Shs 37 Billion Graft Case

Chris Obore Ariko, who heads Parliament’s communications and public affairs, was brought before the Anti-Corruption Court and subsequently remanded. He faces multiple charges related to corruption, including embezzlement, money laundering, and causing financial loss, with the total alleged sum exceeding Shs 37 billion.

Joining Obore in remand are several other Parliament employees: Daniel Adilo (Director of Human Resource), Leonard Okema (Executive Secretary to the Speaker), Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu (Principal Research Officer), Emmanuel Emuron Okwi (Principal Protocol Officer), and Vincent Otebata (Capacity Development Officer). Also remanded is Methods Murebe, CEO of the Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative Savings and Credit Society. A ninth accused, Stella Itute, an office supervisor, was charged in absentia.

Magistrate Esther Asiimwe read out nine charges against the group. However, the court indicated it lacked jurisdiction over the money laundering charges, which will need to be addressed by the High Court. The charges, authorized by the Inspectorate of Government, span alleged offenses from 2023 to May 2026.

The indictment details specific amounts allegedly embezzled by each official. Prosecutors claim that funds designated for parliamentary donations and corporate social responsibility were accessed by the accused but not utilized for their intended purposes, resulting in a significant financial loss to the government. Additionally, six of the accused, including Obore, face money laundering charges for allegedly processing and receiving substantial sums known to be proceeds of crime.

The prosecution sought an adjournment to prepare committal papers for the High Court, a request granted by the magistrate. The accused were remanded until July 7, 2026, for the next court appearance as investigations continue. The officials were arrested earlier in the week after being summoned by the Inspectorate of Government.