Eight officials linked to Parliament and the Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative Savings and Credit Society (SACCO) have been arrested and are expected to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court as investigations into the alleged mismanagement of public funds gather pace.
The arrests were carried out by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) after the officials reported to the watchdog’s offices to record statements before investigators placed them in custody.
Those arrested include Chris Obore, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Parliament; 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; and Methods Murebe, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative Savings and Credit Society (SACCO).
According to sources familiar with the investigations, the suspects were initially invited to provide statements before being arrested following questioning by IGG investigators.
While the Inspectorate had not officially disclosed the charges by Thursday afternoon, the probe is understood to centre on the alleged mismanagement of public funds and the handling of resources within Parliament.
The arrests come as investigators continue widening an ongoing corruption investigation that has already drawn in former Speaker Anita Annet Among.
In recent weeks, security agencies have searched properties linked to Among in Nakasero, Kigo, and Bukedea, seized documents and electronic devices, and impounded several luxury vehicles as part of investigations into alleged corruption and wealth declaration issues.
Investigators have also searched offices within Parliament as they seek to establish how parliamentary resources were managed and whether officials close to the former Speaker played any role in the alleged financial irregularities.
The latest arrests signal that the investigation has now extended beyond political leadership to include Parliament’s administrative and technical staff.
President Yoweri Museveni has previously urged the public to await the findings of the Inspectorate of Government and other investigative agencies before drawing conclusions about those under investigation.
Neither Parliament nor the Inspectorate of Government had issued a detailed official statement on the arrests by the time of publication.
