news 10 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Obore and Co-Accused Head to High Court Over Shs26 Billion Parliament Scandal
Several interdicted senior parliamentary officials have been committed to the High Court for trial in connection with an alleged loss of Shs26 billion meant for government donations and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/obore-co-accused-sent-to-high-court-for-trial-over-shs26b-parliament-csr-scandal-5552802
A group of senior parliamentary officials, now interdicted, are facing trial at the High Court for their alleged roles in a scandal involving approximately Shs26 billion. The funds were reportedly intended for government donations, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Among those committed for trial are Chris Ariko Obore, the former Director of Communications, Daniel Adilo (ex-Director of Human Resources), Leonard Okema (former Executive Secretary to the Speaker), Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu (former Principal Research Officer), Emmanuel Emuron Okwi (former Principal Protocol Officer), and Vincent Otebata (former Development Officer).
Prosecutors allege that these individuals received public funds earmarked for parliamentary activities and CSR but failed to implement the intended programs, thereby causing financial loss to the government. The summary of evidence indicates significant sums were allegedly received by some of the accused, with Mr. Adilo reportedly receiving the largest portion, Shs14.1 billion, and Mr. Obore Shs5.2 billion.
Further charges include Mr. Okwi allegedly taking Shs502 million for stakeholder engagements without executing the activities or returning the money. Mr. Obore also faces a separate charge for allegedly submitting false accountability for Shs2.5 billion allocated to CSR projects.
Additionally, Ms. Mareebe Methods, CEO of the Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative SACCO, has been indicted by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG). She is accused of assisting some of the parliamentary officials in allegedly laundering the illicit proceeds through the SACCO, disguised as loans and savings.
The prosecution plans to present extensive oral and documentary evidence, including testimony from Cairo Bank officials, Parliamentary Commission members, police investigators, and beneficiaries from various districts. Key documents expected to be tendered include payment vouchers, loan agreements, bank statements, and audit reports.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about the misuse of public funds within parliamentary operations, drawing parallels to previous corruption scandals. The accused now await their trial date in the High Court, where the State aims to prove its case. Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)