"IGG Orders Interdiction of Parliament's Chris Obore, Six Others in UGX 27 Billion Corruption Scandal"
The Inspector General of Government has ordered the immediate interdiction of seven senior parliamentary officials, including Director of Communication Chris Obore, over alleged embezzlement and mismanagement of UGX 27 billion in public funds. The officials, who were remanded to Luzira Prison on July 1, 2026, face charges of embezzlement and causing financial loss under the Anti-Corruption Act. The IGG invoked constitutional powers to suspend the officials pending criminal proceedings, citing concerns that their continued presence in office could interfere with ongoing investigations. The case is set to proceed to the High Court, with implications for parliamentary accountability and Uganda's anti-corruption efforts.
LCC TV NEWS
Kampala, Uganda – July 31, 2026 – The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Aisha Nalule Bitala, has issued a directive ordering the immediate interdiction of seven senior parliamentary officials, including Director of Communication and Public Affairs Chris Obore, over their alleged involvement in the mismanagement of UGX 27 billion in public funds.
The directive, communicated to Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige on July 31, 2026, instructs that the officials be suspended from exercising the powers and functions of their offices pending the final determination of criminal proceedings against them .
The interdicted officials include Chris Ariko Obore, Director of Communications and Public Affairs; Daniel Adilo, Director of Human Resource; Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Principal Research Officer; Emmanuel Emuron Okwi, Principal Protocol Officer; Vincent Otebata, Capacity Development Officer; Leonard Okema, Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker; and Stella Itute, Office Supervisor in the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms .
Legal Basis for Interdiction
The IGG invoked Article 230 of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, which empower her office to issue orders and directions necessary for the execution of its constitutional mandate .
"Public interest demands that while the case against the above public officials is still ongoing at the Anti-Corruption Court, they should be suspended from exercising the powers and functions of their offices," Lady Justice Naluzze stated in the directive .
The anti-corruption watchdog argued that allowing the officials to remain in office could interfere with ongoing investigations and undermine accountability .
Criminal Proceedings
The seven officials were arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on July 1, 2026, and subsequently remanded to Luzira Prison . They face charges of embezzlement and causing financial loss under Sections 18 and 19 of the Anti-Corruption Act .
According to court documents, the alleged offences were committed between 2023 and May 2026, with the officials accused of receiving funds intended for Parliament's donations and Corporate Social Responsibility activities but failing to implement the intended programmes .
The charge sheet alleges individual embezzlement amounts including UGX 5.253 billion against Obore, UGX 14.609 billion against Adilo, UGX 3.489 billion against Okema, UGX 2.170 billion against Ssemalulu, UGX 1.105 billion against Okwi, UGX 5.253 billion against Otebata, and UGX 75 million against Itute .
Six of the accused also face money laundering charges involving UGX 10.893 billion, which prosecutors allege were proceeds of crime . Because money laundering offences fall under High Court jurisdiction, the accused have not yet taken plea .
Obore's Bail Application
Meanwhile, Chris Obore has petitioned the High Court seeking bail pending trial. In an affidavit sworn from Murchison Bay Prison in Luzira, the 52-year-old argues that he is entitled to bail as a constitutional right and that the offences with which he is charged are bailable .
Obore states he has a fixed place of residence at Kyaggwe, Mutuba IV, in Koma Division, Mukono Municipality, and maintains he will not interfere with investigations or abscond if released .
He further contends that his continued incarceration is negatively affecting his family, including his children's education and healthcare, as he is the sole breadwinner .
"I am not a threat to any process, and I am willing to appear before this honourable court whenever required," Obore states in his affidavit .
The prosecution, led by State Attorney Daisy Acio from the Inspectorate of Government, has opposed the bail application, arguing that investigations are in advanced stages and the matter should proceed to the High Court once the indictment is complete .
Magistrate Esther Asiimwe has clarified that because the case involves money laundering charges, the High Court has jurisdiction over bail applications, and the accused can seek bail there before the case is committed for trial .
Implications for Accountability
The interdiction is an administrative measure rather than a disciplinary sanction and does not amount to a determination of guilt. The accused officials retain the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court .
The case remains before the courts and is expected to proceed to the High Court for further hearing. The outcome is likely to have significant implications for Parliament's accountability and the government's wider fight against corruption .
The Inspectorate of Government emphasised that the directive underscores its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of public institutions while ensuring due process is upheld throughout the judicial process .
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