Parliament’s top officials netted in Shs10.9b corruption dragnet
KAMPALA – Uganda’s anti-corruption investigators have struck at the heart of Parliament, arresting and charging several senior officials over an alleged multi-billion-shilling embezzlement and money laundering scheme.
The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) accuses the officials of siphoning public funds and laundering more than Shs10.9 billion in a scandal expected to deepen scrutiny of financial management at Parliament.
According to charge sheets seen by this publication, those charged include Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker Leonard Okema, Director of Communications and Public Affairs Chris Obore, Director of Human Resource Daniel Adilo, Capacity Development Officer Kaaya Rajab, Principal Research Officer Semalulu Otebita Vincent, and Parliamentary SACCO Chief Executive Officer Murebe Methods.
They face charges of embezzlement under the Anti-Corruption Act and money laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Prosecutors allege that between January 2023 and April 2026, the accused processed, approved and received more than Shs10.9 billion, knowing the money was the proceeds of crime.
The charge sheets also specify the amounts allegedly embezzled by individual suspects.
Chris Obore is accused of embezzling Shs5.3 billion while serving as Director of Communications and Public Affairs.
Daniel Adilo allegedly embezzled Shs14.6 billion while serving as Director of Human Resource.
Leonard Okema is accused of embezzling Shs3.5 billion while serving as Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker.
The prosecution was sanctioned by the Inspector General of Government, according to the charge sheets.
The arrests mark one of the most significant anti-corruption operations involving Parliament’s senior bureaucracy, with investigators widening inquiries into alleged abuse of public funds, illicit enrichment and money laundering.
