Foreign affairs officer's diplomatic Note Case postponed
The Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero had ordered Innocent Opio to start defending himself against the charge of abuse of office after court found him to have a case to answer.
The court clarified that regardless of the option chosen, the accused is entitled to call witnesses to support their defence. Opio opted to defend himself through an unsworn statement.
By Edward Anyoli
Journalists @New Vision
KAMPALA - The case of a service officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accused of issuing a diplomatic note recommending visas for five people, has been deferred for defence hearing.
The Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero had ordered Innocent Opio to start defending himself against the charge of abuse of office after court found him to have a case to answer.
On July 18, 2025, Principal Grade One Magistrate Paul Mujuni adjourned the case to August 11 to allow Opio to begin his defence, citing another urgent matter that required his attention.
Ruling on case to answer
On June 17, 2025, court 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 their defence. Opio opted to defend himself through an unsworn statement.
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.