The Anti-Corruption Court has adjourned the hearing of the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Chris Obore Ariko, and six other senior Parliament officials, on charges of embezzlement, money laundering and causing financial loss of more than UGX 30 billion.
On Tuesday, prosecution informed court that investigations were still in advanced stages.
The six other officials include; Mr. Adilo Daniel, Director Human Resource, Mr. Okema Leonard, Executive Secretary, Office of Speaker , Mr. Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Principal Research Officer, Mr. Okwi Emmanuel Emuron, Principal Protocol Officer, Mr. Otebata Vincent, Capacity Development Officer, Mr. Murebe Methods, Chief Executive Officer, Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative Savings & Credit Society Ltd (SACCO).
The officials are charged with embezzlement of more than UGX 31 billion, according to the charge sheet, the suspects were charged with multiple counts of embezzlement contrary to Section 18(a) and (i) (iii) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Cap 116.
On count one of embezzlement, prosecution alleged that Chris Ariko Obore during the period of 2023 to May 2026 in Parliament of Uganda, while employed as Director Communications and Public Affairs, Parliament of Uganda, stole UGX 5.2 bn the property of his employer which he had access to by virtue of his employment.
On count two, the prosecution alleged that Mr. Adilo Daniel, during the period of 2023 to May 2026 in Parliament of Uganda, while employed as Director Human Resource, Parliament of Uganda, stole UGX 14.6 bn, the property of his employer which he had access to by virtue of his employment.
Prosecution further noted that Okema Leonard during the period of 2023 to May 2026 in Parliament of Uganda, while employed as Executive Secretary Office of Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, stole UGX 3.4 the property of his employer which he had access to by virtue of his employment.
The Principal Research Officer Mr. Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, is alleged to have during the period of 2023 to May 2026 in Parliament of Uganda Kampala District, while employed as Principal Research Officer, Parliament of Uganda, stole UGX 2.1 bn, the property of his employer which he had access to by virtue of his employment.
The Capacity Development Officer, Mr. Otebata Vincent is alleged to have during the period of 2023 to May 2026 in Parliament of Uganda, while employed as Capacity Development Officer, Parliament of Uganda, stole UGX 5.2 bn, the property of his employer which he had access to by virtue of his employment.
The group which has also been charged with causing financial loss contrary to section 19 (1) of the Anti- Corruption Act, Cap 116, has also been charged with money laundering, contrary to section 3(b) & (e) 119 and 139 (1) (a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act Cap 118
According to prosecution, Okema Leonard, Obore Chris, Adilo Daniel, Kaaya Rajab Semalulu Otebata Vincent and Murebe Methods, during the period of January 2023 to April 2026 in Parliament of Uganda Kampala District, while employed in their respective positions, processed, approved and received UGX 10.8 bn knowing at the time of processing and receipt that the said funds were proceeds of crime.
The court has further remanded the seven officials until July 27, 2026, when the case will come up again before the court for mention and bail application.
