news 10 August 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Obore and Six Others Committed to High Court Over Shs26.8 Billion Parliament Funds Embezzlement
Chris Ariko Obore, Director of Communications at Parliament, and six other officials have been sent to the High Court to face charges related to the alleged embezzlement of Shs26.8 billion. Investigations by the Inspectorate of Government (IG) have concluded, paving the way for the trial. Source: https://observer.ug/news/obore-six-others-committed-to-high-court-over-shs-26-8bn-parliament-funds-theft
Parliament’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Chris Ariko Obore, along with six other officials, have been committed to the High Court to stand trial for alleged embezzlement of Shs26.8 billion in parliamentary funds. This development follows the conclusion of investigations by the Inspectorate of Government (IG).
The accused individuals include Obore, Daniel Adilo (Director of Human Resource), Leonard Okema (Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker), Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu (Principal Research Officer), Emmanuel Emuron Okwi (Principal Protocol Officer), Vincent Otebata (Capacity Development Officer), and Methods Mureebe (CEO of the Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative Savings and Credit Society).
They face a total of nine charges, including causing financial loss, embezzlement, and money laundering, stemming from the alleged mishirandling of funds designated for parliamentary donations, corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, and stakeholder engagements between 2023 and May 2026.
Prosecutors allege that Obore received Shs5.25 billion for donations and CSR but failed to implement the activities or return the funds. Similar allegations are leveled against Adilo (Shs14.1 billion) and Okema (Shs3.8 billion). Ssemalulu and Emuron are also accused of receiving substantial amounts for unfulfilled CSR and donation activities.
Otebata faces separate accusations concerning Shs502 million meant for a stakeholder engagement exercise that allegedly never took place. The IG contends that collectively, the accused received Shs26.8 billion for these purposes but failed to execute the activities, leading to significant financial loss to the government.
Additionally, Obore faces a separate charge for allegedly submitting false accountabilities for Shs2.57 billion. Methods Mureebe is accused of facilitating the alleged illicit acquisition of funds through the Parliamentary Sacco, disguising them as personal loans or savings for some co-accused.
One accused, Stella Itute, was dropped from the charge sheet as she is currently at large, though she remains a wanted individual. The prosecution plans to rely on extensive documentary and witness evidence from various government and financial institutions, as well as alleged beneficiaries, to prove its case.
The committal order allows the case to proceed to the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court. Bail applications are scheduled for a ruling on September 9, 2026, with the accused currently remanded in Luzira Prison.