Court to deliver verdict in diplomatic note case involving foreign affairs officer

_______________

The Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court expected to deliver judgment, Thursday in a case involving a foreign affairs service officer accused of issuing a diplomatic note recommending visas for five people to the American Embassy.

Principal Grade One Magistrate Paul Mujuni last month fixed May 14, 2026, for the verdict after hearing submissions from both the prosecution and defence in a case where Innocent Opio is charged with abuse of office.

Through his lawyer, Dick Kasira, Opio asked the court to acquit him, arguing that the prosecution had failed to adduce sufficient evidence to warrant his conviction.

On the other hand, the prosecution, led by chief state attorney Nelly Asiku from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), asked the court to convict him, maintaining that the evidence presented proved the charge against the accused.

A diplomatic note is an official written communication used by governments and embassies to formally engage with one another. It is a legally recognised instrument used for matters such as negotiations, lodging official concerns, requesting information, and handling administrative affairs.

Prosecution’s case

The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Nelly Asiku from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), asserted that in July 2022, while employed as a foreign affairs officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala, Opio abused his authority.

The prosecution alleges that Opio issued a diplomatic note recommending non-government employees to the American Embassy for visa acquisition.

Furthermore, the prosecution alleged that by issuing the fake diplomatic note, Opio tarnished the image of the country and compromised both national and international security.

The prosecution argued that such actions could have far-reaching consequences, not only undermining the credibility of diplomatic processes but also potentially posing risks to security at various levels.

Opio denied the charge and is currently out on bail.