KAMPALA, Uganda — Parliament’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Chris Obore Ariko, has filed an urgent application before the High Court Anti-Corruption Division seeking release on bail after being remanded to Luzira Prison over allegations linked to the mismanagement of approximately Shs30 billion in public funds.
Obore, 52, lodged the application on July 6 from Murchison Bay Prison, days after his arrest by detectives from the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) alongside six other senior Parliament officials.
The officials were arrested on July 2 and subsequently charged with a range of offences, including embezzlement, causing financial loss and money laundering, before being remanded pending further proceedings.
The case is one of the most consequential corruption prosecutions involving Uganda’s parliamentary administration in recent years and comes amid wider investigations into financial management practices within Parliament.
Court declines to hear bail applications
During proceedings before the Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday, Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera adjourned the matter until July 27 and declined to entertain bail applications filed before her court.
Basemera ruled that because the most serious charge on the charge sheet—money laundering—falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court, applications for bail should be determined by the superior court.
The ruling effectively shifted the battle for temporary freedom to the High Court Anti-Corruption Division, where Obore has now filed his application.
Obore cites family responsibilities
Through his lawyers, M/S Omongole and Company Advocates, Obore argues that he is constitutionally entitled to bail while awaiting trial.
In a sworn affidavit, he says his continued detention has imposed significant hardship on his family because he is their primary breadwinner.
Obore told the court that his incarceration has left his dependants struggling to meet essential expenses, including school fees, food and medical costs.
To demonstrate that he poses no flight risk, he submitted documentation showing a fixed place of residence in Kyaggwe, Mukono Municipality, together with a land title, passport and a letter of introduction from his local council chairperson.
He also states that he has never previously been convicted of a criminal offence and has identified substantial sureties willing to guarantee his compliance with any conditions imposed by the court.
Obore further maintains that he does not know the prosecution witnesses personally and would therefore be unable to interfere with investigations if released on bail.
Senior Parliament officials remain on remand
Obore is among several senior parliamentary officials facing prosecution in the ongoing investigation.
Others charged include:
- Daniel Adilo, Director of Human Resource
- Leonard Okema, Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker
- Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Principal Research Officer
- Emmanuel Emuron Okwi, Principal Protocol Officer
- Vincent Otebata, Capacity Development Officer
The officials appeared before court dressed in formal attire as prosecutors informed the magistrate that investigations were in advanced stages but not yet complete.
Also Read: Chris Obore accused of using Bukedea villagers’ IDs to account for Shs 675m
According to court documents, the accused are alleged to have embezzled public funds and, in some cases, participated in money laundering schemes involving billions of shillings between 2023 and 2026.
Prosecutors requested additional time to conclude investigations before committing the accused to trial.
Wider Parliament investigations
The prosecution unfolds against the backdrop of broader anti-corruption investigations targeting Parliament.
Investigators have in recent weeks searched properties linked to former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among as part of inquiries into allegations relating to corruption, wealth declaration and the management of parliamentary resources.
The developments have intensified scrutiny of Parliament’s financial management systems and raised questions about accountability within one of Uganda’s most powerful state institutions.
For now, Obore and his co-accused remain in custody awaiting the next hearing on July 27, while the High Court considers his application for release on bail.
