BREAKING: Chris Obore, 7 Other Top Parliamentary Officials Arrested Over Corruption

By Swift Reporter

The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has arrested eight senior officials attached to Parliament and the Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative Savings and Credit Society (SACCO) in an expanding investigation into the alleged mismanagement of public funds.

The officials were taken into custody on Thursday after reporting to the IGG headquarters in Kampala to record statements. They are expected to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court as investigations into suspected corruption and abuse of office gather momentum.

Those arrested are Chris Obore, Director of Communications and Public Affairs; Daniel Adilo, Director of Human Resources; Leonard Okema, Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker; Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Principal Research Officer; Emmanuel Emuron Okwi, Principal Protocol Officer; Stella Itute, a Personal Assistant; Vincent Otebata, Capacity Development Officer; and Methods Murebe, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative Savings and Credit Society (SACCO).

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the officials had been summoned to provide statements but were arrested after being questioned by investigators.

Although the Inspectorate had not disclosed the specific charges by Thursday afternoon, the probe is understood to focus on the alleged misuse of public funds, abuse of office and the management of financial resources within Parliament.

The arrests represent a significant escalation of a wider corruption investigation that has increasingly focused on Parliament’s financial and administrative operations.

In recent weeks, investigators have searched offices within Parliament and carried out operations at properties linked to former Speaker Anita Annet Among in Nakasero, Kigo and Bukedea. During the searches, authorities reportedly recovered documents, electronic devices and several luxury vehicles as part of ongoing investigations into allegations of corruption and irregular wealth accumulation.

The widening probe now appears to have extended beyond Parliament’s political leadership to include senior administrative officials and individuals involved in managing parliamentary resources.

In a brief statement, the Inspectorate of Government said the arrests form part of its ongoing efforts to combat corruption within public institutions and ensure accountability in the management of public resources.

President Yoweri Museveni has previously urged the public to allow investigative agencies to complete their work, saying conclusions about those under investigation should await the findings of the Inspectorate and other competent authorities.

The latest developments are expected to intensify scrutiny of Parliament, which has faced sustained public criticism over allegations of financial impropriety and extravagant expenditure.

The eight officials remained in custody by Thursday afternoon and were expected to be arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court later in the day.

The Inspectorate of Government had not released further details on the charges at the time of publication. Under Ugandan law, all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.