Obore, six senior parliamentary officials remanded over Shs31.9bn fraud case
By Geofrey Serugo
The Director of Communications at Parliament, Chris Obore, and six other senior parliamentary officials have been further remanded to Luzira Prison as investigations into an alleged multi-billion corruption case continue.
The suspects appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court, which remanded them until July 27, 2026. The officials were presented before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe and charged with embezzlement, causing financial loss to government and money laundering.
Those charged include Chris Obore, director of communications; Daniel Adilo, director of human resource; Leonard Okema, executive secretary in the Office of the Speaker; Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, principal research officer; Okwi Emmanuel Emuron, principal protocol officer; Vincent Otebata, capacity development officer; and Murebe Methods, chief executive officer of the Parliamentary SACCO.
Prosecution alleges that between 2023 and May 2026, the accused, by virtue of their positions, had access to public funds which they allegedly diverted for personal use.
Court documents indicate that Obore is accused of embezzling Shs5.253 billion from Parliament during the stated period.
Daniel Adilo is alleged to have embezzled the largest share in the case, with prosecutors claiming he diverted Shs14.609 billion while serving as director of human resource.
Leonard Okema is charged with embezzlement involving Shs3.489 billion, which prosecutors say was accessed through his office and fraudulently diverted.
Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, a principal research officer, is accused of embezzling Shs2.170 billion, while Okwi Emmanuel Emuron allegedly diverted Shs1.1 billion.
Vincent Otebata is also charged with embezzling Shs5.253 billion, an amount similar to that allegedly stolen by Obore.
In total, prosecution states that the accused persons embezzled approximately Shs31.95 billion, forming the basis of charges relating to financial loss suffered by Parliament.
“The investigations established sufficient evidence to support charges of embezzlement, causing financial loss and money laundering against the accused persons,” the prosecution states in court documents.
The accused are also jointly facing charges of money laundering. Prosecutors allege that Leonard Okema, Chris Obore, Daniel Adilo, Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Vincent Otebata and Murebe Methods, between January 2023 and April 2026, processed, approved and received Shs10.893 billion, knowing that the funds were proceeds of crime.
“The accused persons knowingly processed, approved and received Shs10,893,071,150, being proceeds of crime, contrary to the Anti-Money Laundering Act,” reads part of the indictment.
The case has been adjourned to July 27, 2026, as investigations continue.
