Parliament officials suspended over UGX 27 billion corruption allegations

1 August 2026, 8:21 am

By Hillary Opio Omara & Regina Lalam

The Inspector General of Government (IGG) has ordered the suspension of Parliament’s Director of Communication and Public Affairs, Chris Obore, along with six other senior parliamentary officials over their alleged involvement in the mismanagement of UGX 27 billion in public funds.

The directive, issued by the Inspector General of Government, Lady Justice Aisha Nalule Bitala, was communicated to the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, instructing him to immediately interdict the officials as investigations and criminal proceedings continue.

The IGG said the decision followed concerns that the officials had remained in office and continued receiving salaries and other benefits despite facing serious corruption-related charges.

The anti-corruption watchdog argued that allowing them to remain in office could interfere with ongoing investigations and undermine accountability.

Those suspended include Chris Obore, Director of Human Resource Daniel Adilo, Principal Research Officer Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Principal Protocol Officer Emmanuel Emuron Okwi, Capacity Development Officer Vincent Otebata, Executive Secretary to the Parliamentary Commission Leonard Okema, and Office Supervisor in the Sergeant-at-Arms Department Stella Itute.

The seven officials were remanded to Luzira Prison after appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court on 1 July 2026.

They face charges of embezzlement and causing financial loss under Sections 18 and 19 of the Anti-Corruption Act.

In a statement issued on 31 July 2026, the IGG said the suspension directive was issued under Article 230 of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, which empower the office to direct the interdiction of public officers facing corruption charges.

Chris Obore applied for court bail, arguing that the case is still at its initial stage and that he has not been convicted of any offence.

He said the suspension would negatively affect his family, including his children’s education, healthcare, and other essential needs.

The corruption case remains before the courts and is expected to proceed to the High Court for further hearing.

The outcome is likely to have significant implications for accountability within Parliament and the government’s wider efforts to combat corruption.