Court to rule in diplomatic note case involving foreign affairs officer
Principal Grade One Magistrate Paul Mujuni, on May 14, 2026, deferred delivering the verdict in a case in which Innocent Opio is charged with abuse of office and adjourned it to May 19, 2026, saying he had not yet completed writing the judgment.
Court to rule in diplomatic note case involving foreign affairs officer
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The Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court is expected to deliver judgment on Tuesday, May 19, 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, on May 14, 2026, deferred delivering the verdict in a case in which Innocent Opio is charged with abuse of office and adjourned it to May 19, 2026, saying he had not yet completed writing the judgment.
Through his lawyer, Dick Kasira, Opio asked for an acquittal, arguing that the prosecution had failed to adduce sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction.
On the other hand, the prosecution team led by Chief State Attorney Nelly Asiku from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions opposed the application, maintaining that the evidence on record sufficiently proved the charge against the accused and urging the court to convict him.
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), stated 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.