Seven Parliament Officials Detained Over Alleged Shs27 Billion Corruption Scandal

Seven officials working within Uganda’s Parliament have been remanded to Luzira Prison after being formally charged with serious financial crimes. These charges include embezzlement, money laundering, and causing substantial financial loss, with the total amount allegedly lost exceeding 27 billion Ugandan Shillings.

The accused, who hold senior positions such as Director of Communications, Director of Human Resources, and Principal Protocol Officer, appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala. They are alleged to have misused parliamentary funds between 2023 and May 2026.

Named in the charges are Chris Obore Ariko, Daniel Adilo, Leonard Okema, Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Emmanuel Emuron Okwi, Vincent Otebata, and Methods Murebe, who is the CEO of the Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative Savings and Credit Society. Stella Itute, an Office Supervisor, was charged in absentia.

According to the charge sheet, the suspects are accused of receiving funds designated for parliamentary donations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities but failing to implement the intended programs. This alleged mismanagement resulted in a financial loss of Shs27.201 billion to Parliament. Further allegations suggest that some of the accused processed and received significant sums of money, knowing or having reason to believe these funds were proceeds of crime.

Individual accusations detail varying amounts allegedly embezzled by each official. One official is accused of embezzling over 5 billion Shillings, while another faces charges related to nearly 15 billion Shillings.

The Anti-Corruption Court, however, noted it lacks jurisdiction over money laundering offenses, which are to be heard by the High Court. The prosecution requested an adjournment to prepare committal papers for the case to be transferred. Defence lawyers sought copies of the charge sheet and a brief adjournment to prepare bail applications.

Magistrate Esther Asiimwe remanded the accused to Luzira Prison until July 7, 2026, to allow for ongoing investigations.

This information was reported by the Nile Post.