Obore, six others committed to High court over Shs 26.8bn parliament funds theft

What the report says

Chris Ariko Obore, Parliament’s director of communications and public affairs, and six other officials have been committed to Uganda’s High Court to answer charges linked to the alleged theft and misuse of Shs 26.8 billion in parliamentary funds, according to The Observer. Grade one magistrate Esther Asiimwe ordered the committal after the Inspectorate of Government said its investigations were complete and the matter was ready for trial.

The accused include senior staff from Parliament and the Parliamentary Sacco, among them directors, protocol and research officers, and the Sacco’s chief executive, Methods Mureebe. The prosecution says the money was intended for parliamentary donations, corporate social responsibility activities and stakeholder engagements, but was not properly used or accounted for. It alleges that some funds were diverted through the Sacco and disguised as personal loans or savings. One former suspect, Stella Itute, was removed from the charge sheet after prosecutors said she could not be traced.

The case involves nine charges, including causing financial loss, embezzlement and money laundering. The publication reports that Obore faces an additional allegation over Shs 2.578 billion, with prosecutors saying he submitted false accountabilities. Other accused officials are linked to specific sums said to have been received for donations, CSR work or logistical support, though the publication says the activities were not carried out or the money was not returned.

The committal means the case will now proceed before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, where prosecutors must prove the allegations. The Observer also reported that bail applications are expected to be ruled on later, and that the accused remain in custody pending that decision.