By Patrick Okino
The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Justice Naluzza Aisha Batala, has directed the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, to immediately interdict seven senior officials of the Parliament of Uganda pending the final determination of criminal proceedings against them.
The officials affected are Chris Obore Ariko, Director of Communications and Public Affairs; Daniel Adilo, Director of Human Resource; Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Principal Research Officer; and Emmanuel Okwi Emureon, Principal Protocol Officer.
Others are Vincent Otebata, Capacity Development Officer; Leonard Okema, Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker; and Stella Itute, Office Supervisor in the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms.
The officials, who are currently on remand at Luzira Prison, were arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on 1 July 2026. They were charged with embezzlement and causing financial loss, contrary to Sections 18(a)(1)(b) and 19(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Cap. 116.
According to the IGG, the directive is issued under Article 230 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, Cap. 32, which empowers the Inspector General of Government to make such orders and issue such directions as are necessary and appropriate in the course of carrying out his or her duties.
Justice Batala said in a Press Statement on 31, July that, in the public interest, the officials should be suspended from exercising the powers and functions of their offices while the criminal case against them is still pending before the Anti-Corruption Court.
She noted that the directive underscores the Inspectorate of Government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of public institutions and ensuring that due process is upheld as the matter proceeds through the courts.