Biggest Scandal: Documents Detail How Parliament Officials Diverted Billions Into Their ‘Swollen Bellies’

By Swift Reporter

Seven senior officials from the Parliament of Uganda and the Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative Savings and Credit Society (SACCO) have been charged before the Anti-Corruption Court with embezzlement, causing financial loss and money laundering in what investigators describe as one of the largest corruption cases to hit the institution in recent years.

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) into the alleged diversion of billions of shillings from Parliament between 2023 and 2026.

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

According to court documents, the officials were arrested after reporting to the Inspectorate of Government to record statements before being arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court.

Prosecutors allege that Obore embezzled Shs5.25 billion while serving as Director of Communications and Public Affairs. The charge sheet states that he unlawfully appropriated funds belonging to Parliament to which he had access by virtue of his office.

Adilo faces the largest individual claim in the case, with prosecutors accusing him of stealing Shs14.6 billion. Okema is charged with embezzling Shs3.49 billion, while Ssemalulu is accused of stealing Shs2.17 billion. Otebata allegedly embezzled Shs5.25 billion, and Itute is accused of stealing Shs75 million.

In addition to the embezzlement charges, prosecutors have jointly charged Okema, Obore, Adilo, Ssemalulu, Otebata and Murebe with money laundering.

The prosecution alleges that the six officials processed, approved and received Shs10.89 billion while knowing that the funds were proceeds of criminal activity, contrary to the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

The charges were sanctioned by Inspector General of Government Aisha Batala Nalule under the Anti-Corruption Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

The prosecutions mark a major escalation in investigations that have increasingly focused on Parliament’s financial management and administrative operations.

In recent weeks, investigators have searched offices within Parliament and properties linked to former Speaker Anita Annet Among in Nakasero, Kigo and Bukedea. During the operations, security agencies recovered documents, electronic devices and several luxury vehicles as part of wider investigations into alleged corruption, wealth declaration and the management of parliamentary resources.

The latest prosecutions indicate that investigators are widening their focus from Parliament’s political leadership to senior officials responsible for managing public funds and administrative processes.

The case has intensified public scrutiny of Parliament, which has faced sustained criticism over allegations of financial impropriety and excessive public expenditure.

The accused appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court as investigations continue. They are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.