IGG Orders Immediate Interdiction of Seven Parliament Officials Over Shs27bn Corruption Case

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, has directed the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, to immediately interdict seven senior Parliament officials facing criminal charges in an alleged Shs27 billion corruption scandal.

The directive marks a major escalation in the case after reports earlier this week suggested Parliament’s administration had considered allowing the officials to remain in office on full salary until the end of August before placing them on half pay as disciplinary proceedings continued.

However, the IGG has now ordered their immediate interdiction pending the conclusion of criminal proceedings before the Anti-Corruption Court.

Those affected are Parliament’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Chris Obore; Director of Human Resource, Daniel Adilo; Principal Research Officer Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu; Principal Protocol Officer Emmanuel Emuron Okwi; Capacity Development Officer Vincent Otebata; Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker Leonard Okema; and Office Supervisor in the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms Stella Itute.

All seven officials have been on remand at Luzira Prison since they were arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on July 1, 2026.

They are charged with embezzlement and causing financial loss under Sections 18(a)(i) and (ii), and 19(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act.

In a press statement issued on Friday, the IGG said the directive was made under powers granted by Article 230 of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act.

The law authorises the Inspector General of Government to issue orders and directions considered necessary during investigations or as a result of the Inspectorate’s findings.

“The Inspector General of Government may, during the course of his or her duties or as a consequence of his or her findings, make such orders and give such directions as are necessary and appropriate in the circumstances,” the statement said.

The Inspectorate said public interest requires that the officials be suspended from exercising the powers and responsibilities of their offices while the criminal case is before the courts.

“The directive underscores the IG’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of public institutions and ensuring that due process is upheld while the matter is before the courts,” the statement added.

The development follows a ruling by the Anti-Corruption Court declining to hear bail applications for the accused, saying the inclusion of money laundering charges means jurisdiction over bail lies with the High Court.

During the previous court session, prosecutors told the court that investigations were at an advanced stage and requested more time to prepare committal papers before transferring the case to the High Court for trial.

The defence criticised the prosecution for arresting the suspects before completing investigations, arguing that continued detention without concluded investigations was unjustified.

Chris Obore has since petitioned the High Court for bail, describing himself as a first-time offender and the sole breadwinner for his family.

He argues that his continued detention has left his dependants struggling to meet basic needs, including food, school fees and medical care.

The case remains before the Anti-Corruption Court as prosecutors finalise preparations to commit it to the High Court for trial.