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Parliament communications director Obore granted bail
The head of the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, Justice Michael Elubu, on Wednesday (September 9) granted Obore cash bail of sh30 million after finding that the sureties he presented were substantial. His sureties were bonded at sh300 million non-cash.
The prosecution alleges that between 2023 and May 2026, at Parliament, Obore stole sh5.25b belonging to his employer, Parliament, to which he had access by virtue of his employment.
By: Michael Odeng, Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - The director of communications and public affairs, Chris Obore, and six other Parliament officials facing corruption-related charges in connection with the alleged theft of sh70 billion have been granted bail.
The head of the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, Justice Michael Elubu, on Wednesday (September 9) granted Obore cash bail of sh30 million after finding that the sureties he presented were substantial. His sureties were bonded at sh300 million non-cash.
However, Justice Elubu ordered Obore to deposit his Kiwanga, Mukono land title and passport with the court.
“The property presented as security could be forfeited if the bail conditions are breached,” the judge warned.
Others granted bail include Daniel Adilo, the director of human resource; Leonard Okema, the executive secretary at the Office of the Speaker; Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, the principal research officer; Emmanuel Okwi Emuron, the principal protocol officer; Vincent Otebata, the capacity development officer; and Methods Murebe, the chief executive officer of Parliament’s Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Limited.
The Parliament staff are facing charges of embezzlement, causing financial loss and money laundering.
Allegations
The prosecution alleges that between 2023 and May 2026, at Parliament, Obore stole sh5.25b belonging to his employer, Parliament, to which he had access by virtue of his employment.
Others granted bail include Daniel Adilo, the director of human resource; Leonard Okema, the executive secretary at the Office of the Speaker; Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, the principal research officer; Emmanuel Okwi Emuron, the principal protocol officer; Vincent Otebata, the capacity development officer; and Methods Murebe, the chief executive officer of Parliament’s Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Limited.
The Parliament staff are facing charges of embezzlement, causing financial loss and money laundering.
Allegations
The prosecution alleges that between 2023 and May 2026, at Parliament, Obore stole sh5.25b belonging to his employer, Parliament, to which he had access by virtue of his employment.
The State alleges that Adilo and Okema stole sh14.6b and sh3.48b, respectively, from their employer during the same period by virtue of the positions they held.
According to the charge sheet, Ssemalulu is accused of stealing sh2.17b, while Emuron allegedly stole sh1.1b. Itute is accused of stealing sh75m, while Otebata allegedly stole sh5.25b during the same period.
Prosecutors allege that between 2023 and May 2026, the accused received funds earmarked for Parliament’s donations and corporate social responsibility activities but failed to implement the intended activities, knowing or having reason to believe that their actions would cause financial loss to the Government of Uganda.
The prosecution contends that the accused persons' actions resulted in a financial loss of sh27.2b to the Government.
In addition, the prosecution alleges that, with the exception of Itute, the accused persons, between January 2023 and April 2026, at Parliament in Kampala, processed, approved and received sh10.89b while knowing that the funds were proceeds of crime.
According to the charge sheet, Ssemalulu is accused of stealing sh2.17b, while Emuron allegedly stole sh1.1b. Itute is accused of stealing sh75m, while Otebata allegedly stole sh5.25b during the same period.
Prosecutors allege that between 2023 and May 2026, the accused received funds earmarked for Parliament’s donations and corporate social responsibility activities but failed to implement the intended activities, knowing or having reason to believe that their actions would cause financial loss to the Government of Uganda.
The prosecution contends that the accused persons' actions resulted in a financial loss of sh27.2b to the Government.
In addition, the prosecution alleges that, with the exception of Itute, the accused persons, between January 2023 and April 2026, at Parliament in Kampala, processed, approved and received sh10.89b while knowing that the funds were proceeds of crime.