Parliament’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Chris Obore Ariko, has filed an application at the High Court in Kampala seeking release on bail while awaiting trial.
Obore, along with other staff from the Parliamentary Commission, is facing charges of corruption and money laundering related to the alleged mismanagement of more than 27 billion shillings.
The bail application, numbered 003 of 2026, is grounded in Articles 23 and 28 of the Constitution as well as the Trial on Indictments Act.
It contends that bail is a constitutional entitlement and that the offences in question are bailable.
In an affidavit sworn at Murchison Bay Prison in Luzira, where he is currently remanded, the 52-year-old Obore states that he was arrested on July 2, charged with embezzlement and money laundering, and subsequently remanded.
Through his lawyers, led by Richard Omongole, Obore notes that he has a fixed place of residence in Kyaggwe, Mutuba IV, Koma Division, Mukono Municipality.
He has pledged to remain there for the duration of the trial if granted bail.He further explains that he is the sole breadwinner for his family, which is now facing difficulties in covering basic needs such as food, school fees, clothing, and medication due to his detention.
“I am not a threat to any process, and I am willing to appear before this honourable court whenever required,” Obore states in the affidavit.
He adds that he has no prior criminal convictions, has reliable sureties ready to guarantee his court attendance, will not interfere with investigations or witnesses, and has no plans to flee the country.
He concludes that it would be just and equitable for him to be released on bail pending the resolution of his case.
The bail application was mentioned on Tuesday when Obore and his co-accused appeared before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe at the Anti-Corruption Court for case mention.
Obore’s lawyer, Omongole, explained to the court that there had been a procedural confusion regarding the proper forum for the bail application.
He requested that the lower court file be forwarded to the High Court to enable the matter to be heard.Lawyer Asuman Basalirwa, representing co-accused Emmanuel Emuron Okwi, indicated that the defence had prepared sureties and all required documents.
He also suggested separating the cases of Obore, Okwi, and Leonard Okema from the others, arguing that the offences they face are not capital in nature.
The prosecution, led by State Attorney Daisy Acio from the Inspectorate of Government, opposed hearing the bail application at the magistrate’s court.
She noted that investigations are at an advanced stage and emphasized that the money laundering charges place jurisdiction with the High Court.
Magistrate Esther Asiimwe ruled that, since the matter was only for mention, the bail application should be handled by the High Court.
The case was adjourned to July 27, 2026, to allow the Inspectorate of Government to complete investigations and prepare the indictment for trial at the High Court.
Obore is jointly charged with:
- Daniel Adilo (Director of Human Resource)
- Leonard Okema (Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker)
- Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu (Principal Research Officer)
- Emmanuel Emuron Okwi (Principal Protocol Officer)
- Vincent Otebata (Capacity Development Officer)
- Methods Murebe (Uganda Parliamentary SACCO CEO)
- Stella Itute (Office Supervisor, charged in absentia)
The Inspectorate of Government alleges that the accused embezzled billions of shillings from Parliament and caused a financial loss exceeding 27.2 billion shillings from funds meant for donations and corporate social responsibility programmes.
Six of the accused, including Obore, also face money laundering charges involving 10.893 billion shillings, which prosecutors claim were proceeds of crime.
Because of the money laundering counts, none of the accused has yet entered a plea.The officials were returned to Luzira Prison and will reappear in court on July 27, 2026.