The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has formally charged eight senior parliamentary officials and staff with multiple counts of embezzlement, causing financial loss, and money laundering involving billions of shillings allegedly diverted from Parliament between 2023 and May 2026.

The accused were arrested after reporting to the IGG to record statements and were subsequently arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court.

The charges, approved by Inspector General of Government Hon. Lady Justice Nalule Aisha Batala, were brought under the Anti-Corruption Act, Cap 116, and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Cap 118.

Chris Ariko Obore (Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Parliament of Uganda) faces Count I: Embezzlement contrary to section 18 (a) & (i) (iii) of the Anti-Corruption Act. He is accused of stealing UGX 5,253,100,000 (Five billion two hundred fifty-three million one hundred thousand shillings) during the period in question, property of his employer which he had access to by virtue of his employment.

Adilo Daniel (Director of Human Resource, Parliament of Uganda) faces Count II: Embezzlement. He is accused of stealing UGX 14,608,613,150 (Fourteen billion six hundred eight million six hundred thirteen thousand one hundred fifty shillings).

Okema Leonard (Executive Secretary, Office of the Speaker, Parliament of Uganda) faces Count III: Embezzlement, accused of stealing UGX 3,489,400,000 (Three billion four hundred eighty-nine million four hundred thousand shillings).

Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu (Principal Research Officer, Parliament of Uganda) faces Count IV: Embezzlement, accused of stealing UGX 2,170,108,000 (Two billion one hundred seventy million one hundred eight thousand shillings).

Itute Stella (Personal Assistant, Parliament of Uganda) is accused in a count of embezzlement involving UGX 75,000,000 (Seventy-five million shillings).

Otebata Vincent (Capacity Development Officer, Parliament of Uganda) faces a count of embezzlement involving UGX 5,253,100,000 (Five billion two hundred fifty-three million one hundred thousand shillings).

Okwi Emmanuel Emuron (Principal Protocol Officer) and Murebe Methods (Chief Executive Officer, Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative Savings & Credit Society Ltd – SACCO) are also among the charged.

In a joint money laundering count, Okema Leonard, Obore Chris, Adilo Daniel, Kaaya Rajab Ssemalulu, Otebata Vincent, and Murebe Methods are accused of processing, approving, and receiving UGX 10,893,071,150 (Ten billion eight hundred ninety-three million seventy-one thousand one hundred fifty shillings), knowing the funds were proceeds of crime.

This case marks a significant escalation in ongoing investigations into financial management at Parliament. It follows earlier probes linked to former Speaker Anita Annet Among, whose properties were raided and vehicles seized.

The accused are expected to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court as investigations continue into what is described as one of the largest corruption scandals to hit Uganda’s legislature in recent years.