Foreign affairs officer to defend self in diplomatic note case

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A service officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accused of issuing a diplomatic note recommending visas for five people, has been found to have a case to answer.

The Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero has ordered Innocent Opio to defend himself against the charge of abuse of office.

On June 17, 2025, Principal Grade One Magistrate Paul Mujuni ruled that a prima facie case had been established against Opio and that he must now respond to the allegations.

Magistrate Mujuni stated that, based on the evidence presented by the prosecution, a case had been made that warrants a defence.

“After studying the evidence adduced by the prosecution, I am satisfied that a prima facie case has been made out,” Mujuni said.

The magistrate gave Opio three options for his defence: testifying under oath (which would involve cross-examination by the state), giving an unsworn statement without cross-examination, or remaining silent.

The court clarified that regardless of the option chosen, the accused is entitled to call witnesses to support his defence.

Opio opted to defend himself through an unsworn statement, starting on July 18, 2025.

Prosecution’s case

The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Nelly Asiku from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), alleges that in July 2022, while serving as a foreign affairs officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala, Opio abused his office by issuing a diplomatic note recommending that non-government employees be granted visas by the American Embassy.

Further, the prosecution alleges that by issuing the fraudulent diplomatic note, Opio damaged the image of the country and jeopardised both national and international security.

The state contends that such actions could have far-reaching consequences, not only undermining the credibility of diplomatic channels but also posing serious security risks.

Opio has denied the charges and is currently out on bail.