Court to rule on foreign affairs officer's diplomatic note case

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The Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court is scheduled to rule on June 17, 2025, whether foreign affairs ministry service officer Innocent Opio, who is accused of allegedly issuing a diplomatic note recommending visas for five people, has a case to answer.

Following the closure of the prosecution’s case recently, principal grade one magistrate Paul Mujuni said he will review the evidence presented and determine whether Opio has a case to answer.

Mujuni directed both the prosecution, led by chief state attorney Nelly Asiku from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and defence lawyer Dick Kasira to file written submissions by June 9, 2025, to enable him to determine whether a prima facie case has been established requiring the accused to defend himself.

Both parties are hereby directed to file written submissions by June 9, 2025,” Magistrate Mujuni said.

Prosecution’s case

The prosecution asserts that during July 2022, while employed as a foreign affairs officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala, Opio abused his authority. It is alleged that Opio issued a diplomatic note recommending that non-government employees at the American Embassy acquire a visa.

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

Prosecution claims 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.