News
Sh70b theft: Obore, six other Parliament staff committed to High Court for trial
According to the summary of the case, prosecution intends to rely on the testimonies of the alleged beneficiaries of the money from the districts of; Bukedea, Ngora, Kumi, Serere, Pallisa, Mbale, Kitgum, Arua, Rakai and Soroti.
Director of communications and public affairs, Chris Obore stepping off a van. (File)
By: Barbra Kabahumuza and Michael Odeng, Journalists @New Vision
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Seven parliament staff, including the director of communications and public affairs, Chris Obore, have been committed to the High Court for trial in the case involving theft of sh70b.
Others committed are: Daniel Adilo (Director Human Resource); Leonard Okema (Executive Secretary at the Office of the Speaker); Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu (Principal Research Officer); Emmanuel Okwi Emuron (Principal Protocol Officer); Vincent Otebata (Capacity Development Officer); Methods Murebe (Parliamentary Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Limited Chief Executive Officer); and Stella Itute (the Supervisor in the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms at Parliament).
The Anti-Corruption Court grade one magistrate, Esther Asiimwe, today (August 10) sent the accused persons to the High Court to stand trial after the Inspectorate of Government prosecutors, led by Daisy Acio, informed her that investigations into the matter are complete.
"Your Worship, Police has concluded investigating the matter. We pray the accused persons be committed to the High Court to stand trial, " Acio requested, which the magistrate granted.
According to the summary of the case, prosecution intends to rely on the testimonies of the alleged beneficiaries of the money from the districts of Bukedea, Ngora, Kumi, Serere, Pallisa, Mbale, Kitgum, Arua, Rakai and Soroti.
The parliament staff are charged with seven counts of embezzlement, contrary to section 18 (a) and (i) (iii) of the Anti-Corruption Act, and causing financial loss contrary to section 19 (1) of the same Act.
They were also charged with money laundering, contrary to section 3 (b) and (e), 119 and 139 (1) (a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
The offence of embezzlement carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail, a fine not exceeding sh6.7m, or both, while the offence of causing financial loss elicits a 14-year jail term.
In addition, a person convicted under the Act is disqualified from holding public office for a period not exceeding 10 years. The offence of money laundering elicits 15 years in jail or a fine not exceeding sh2b or both.
According to the summary of the case, prosecution intends to rely on the testimonies of the alleged beneficiaries of the money from the districts of Bukedea, Ngora, Kumi, Serere, Pallisa, Mbale, Kitgum, Arua, Rakai and Soroti.
The parliament staff are charged with seven counts of embezzlement, contrary to section 18 (a) and (i) (iii) of the Anti-Corruption Act, and causing financial loss contrary to section 19 (1) of the same Act.
They were also charged with money laundering, contrary to section 3 (b) and (e), 119 and 139 (1) (a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
The offence of embezzlement carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail, a fine not exceeding sh6.7m, or both, while the offence of causing financial loss elicits a 14-year jail term.
In addition, a person convicted under the Act is disqualified from holding public office for a period not exceeding 10 years. The offence of money laundering elicits 15 years in jail or a fine not exceeding sh2b or both.
Allegations
Prosecution alleges that between 2023 to 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.
Prosecution also contends that the accused persons' actions resulted into a financial loss of sh27.2b to the Government.
In addition, prosecution alleges that with the exception of Itute, the other 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.
Prosecution alleges that between 2023 to 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.
Prosecution also contends that the accused persons' actions resulted into a financial loss of sh27.2b to the Government.
In addition, prosecution alleges that with the exception of Itute, the other 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.