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 who are facing criminal charges over an alleged Shs27 billion corruption scandal.
The directive marks a significant escalation in the case after reports earlier this week indicated that Parliament’s administration had considered allowing the officials to remain in office, receiving full salary until the end of August before placing them on half pay while disciplinary proceedings continued.
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However, the IGG has now ordered their immediate interdiction pending the conclusion of the 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; and Principal Protocol Officer Emmanuel Emuron Okwi.
Others are 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 are currently on remand at Luzira Prison after being arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on July 1, 2026.
They face charges of 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 issued under powers granted by Article 230 of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act.
The law empowers the Inspector General of Government to issue orders and directions deemed necessary during investigations or as a consequence 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 quoted the law.
The Inspectorate said public interest required that the officials be suspended from exercising the powers and functions of their offices while the criminal case remains 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 said.
The latest development comes after the Anti-Corruption Court declined to hear bail applications for the accused, ruling that because the charge sheet includes money laundering offences, jurisdiction over bail lies with the High Court.
During the previous court session, prosecutors told the court investigations were in advanced stages and sought 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 prolonged detention without concluded investigations was unjustified.
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 pending before the Anti-Corruption Court as prosecutors prepare to commit it to the High Court for trial.
