The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has directed the immediate interdiction of seven senior officials of the Parliament of Uganda, including the high-profile Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Chris Ariko Obore, pending the conclusion of criminal proceedings against them over alleged corruption.
In a formal directive issued to the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, Inspector General of Government Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala stated that public interest demands the officials be suspended from exercising the powers and functions of their offices while the cases against them remain ongoing.
The seven officials, who are currently on remand at Luzira Prison, are:
- Chris Ariko Obore – Director of Communications and Public Affairs
- Daniel Adilo – Director of Human Resource
- Leonard Okema – Executive Secretary, Office of the Speaker
- Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu – Principal Research Officer
- Emmanuel Emuron Okwi – Principal Protocol Officer
- Vincent Otebata – Capacity Development Officer
- Stella Itute – Office Supervisor, Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms
The officials were arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on July 1, 2026, and charged with embezzlement and causing financial loss, contrary to Sections 18(a)(i) and (ii), and 19(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act. Some face additional counts of money laundering.
According to charge sheets, the alleged offences occurred between 2023 and May 2026 and involve the diversion of significant public funds. Obore is specifically accused of embezzling Shs5.253 billion. Other individual counts against the group run into tens of billions of shillings, with joint money-laundering allegations involving approximately Shs10.89 billion.
The IGG’s office has emphasised that the interdiction is a precautionary measure to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations and the institutions involved. The directive comes as part of a broader anti-corruption drive targeting the management of public resources within Parliament following the transition in the House’s leadership earlier this year.
Parliament has not yet issued an official response to the interdiction order. The accused remain in custody at Luzira as proceedings continue at the Anti-Corruption Court.
The case has drawn significant public attention, coming amid heightened scrutiny of financial management in key government institutions. Further court appearances are expected in the coming weeks as prosecutors prepare to present additional evidence.