Former Parliament Director of Communications Chris Obore and Six Co-Accused Granted Bail in Shs27 Billion Corruption Case

Kampala, Uganda – The Anti-Corruption Court has granted bail to former Parliament Director of Communications Chris Obore and six other senior officials who were charged in connection with the alleged embezzlement of Shs27 billion in parliamentary funds . The officials were granted bail on Wednesday after spending over two months on remand at Luzira Prison .

Justice Michael Elubu of the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court granted the bail applications, setting stringent conditions to ensure the accused persons’ compliance with court proceedings . Obore was granted cash bail of Shs30 million and ordered to deposit the certificate of title for his land in Kiwanga, Mukono, as well as his passport, with the court . His sureties were bonded at Shs300 million non-cash .

Bail Terms and Conditions

The court granted bail to all seven accused officials, with cash bail amounts ranging from Shs20 million to Shs35 million . Here is a summary of the bail terms for each official:

· Chris Obore – Shs30 million cash bail, ordered to deposit land title for property in Kiwanga and passport .
· Daniel Adilo (former Director of Human Resource) – Shs35 million cash bail, ordered to deposit land title for property in Kyaggwe and passport .
· Leonard Okema (former Executive Secretary to the Speaker) – Shs35 million cash bail, ordered to deposit land title for home in Katale-Bugema and passport .
· Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu – Shs20 million cash bail, ordered to present a certificate of purchase for his home in Kyebando and deposit passport .
· Emmanuel Okwi – Shs20 million cash bail, ordered to deposit land title for property in Kyaggwe and passport .
· Vincent Otebata – Shs30 million cash bail, ordered to present a certificate of purchase for land in Busukuma and deposit passport .
· Methods Mureebe (former CEO of Parliamentary Sacco) – Shs20 million cash bail, ordered to deposit land title for residence in Goma Cell and passport .

As part of the conditions, each accused is required to have sureties bonded at Shs300 million non-cash, and all must report to the Deputy Registrar of the Anti-Corruption Court every first Monday of the month . Justice Elubu warned that the properties deposited as security could be forfeited to the State if any of the accused persons breach the bail conditions .

Background of the Case

The seven officials were arrested on July 2, 2026, and subsequently charged with embezzlement, causing financial loss, and money laundering . The charges stem from allegations that they misappropriated funds meant for parliamentary donations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities between 2023 and May 2026 . The prosecution alleges that the accused officials received funds for donations and CSR activities but failed to implement the intended activities, resulting in a financial loss of Shs27.2 billion to the Government of Uganda .

The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) had opposed the bail applications, citing incomplete investigations and the risk of witness interference . However, Justice Elubu questioned the prosecution’s arguments and found that the accused had fixed places of abode and substantial sureties, making them suitable candidates for bail .

Interdiction and Public Reaction

Following their arrest, the officials were interdicted from their duties at Parliament on the directive of the Inspector General of Government . The case has drawn significant public attention, with mixed reactions on social media. Some Ugandans have questioned the bail decision, while others have drawn comparisons to other high-profile corruption cases, including President Yoweri Museveni’s forgiveness of former Speaker Anita Among .

The accused officials have denied the charges and remain presumed innocent until proven guilty. They are expected to appear in court again on a later date as the case proceeds to the High Court for trial on the money laundering charges .