The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has granted bail to seven former parliamentary officials accused of causing financial loss, embezzlement, and money laundering involving tens of billions of shillings.
Presiding Judge, Justice Michael Elubu, released the seven accused persons on cash bail ranging between Shs 20 million and Shs 35 million, alongside strict conditions including the surrender of passports and the forfeiture of land titles as security.
The accused include former Parliament Communications Director Chris Obore, former Parliamentary Sacco Chief Executive Officer Mureebe Muhanuka, and former Executive Secretary to the Speaker of Parliament Leonard Okema, among other high-ranking staff.
The court previously heard that the seven officials face multiple counts related to the alleged theft and mismanagement of public funds at Parliament.
Key among the charges:
Daniel Adilo is accused of individually embezzling Shs 14 billion, while jointly facing charges involving Shs 27 billion in financial loss and Shs 10 billion in money laundering.
Chris Obore faces charges of causing financial loss involving Shs 27 billion and money laundering amounting to Shs 10 billion.
Mureebe Muhanuka faces money laundering charges related to parliamentary sacco operations.
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State prosecutors had strongly opposed the bail applications, citing the severity of the charges, incomplete police investigations, and potential risks of witness tampering at Parliament. However, Justice Elubu dismissed the prosecution’s objections regarding witness interference and held that the accused had satisfied constitutional bail requirements by proving fixed places of abode and presenting substantial sureties.
Individual Bail Conditions & Security Breakdown
Justice Elubu ordered that all certificates of title and land purchase documents presented during the hearing be staked with the court as security. The judge warned that any property presented as security would be automatically forfeited to the State should any of the accused abscond.
In addition to depositing their passports with the Deputy Registrar, all seven accused persons were directed to report to the Anti-Corruption Court on the first Monday of every month.
The court breakdown for each accused person includes:
Chris Obore: Granted Shs 30 million cash bail. Ordered to surrender his passport and the land title for his residence in Kiwanga. Sureties bonded at Shs 300 million non-cash.
Leonard Okema: Granted Shs 35 million cash bail. Ordered to deposit the land title for his home in Katale-Bugema, Kyengera, and surrender his passport. Sureties bonded at Shs 300 million non-cash.
Daniel Adilo: Granted Shs 35 million cash bail. Ordered to deposit the land title for his property in Kyaggwe. Sureties bonded at Shs 300 million non-cash.
Vincent Butebata: Granted Shs 30 million cash bail. Directed to deposit a certificate of purchase for land in Busukuma and surrender his passport. Sureties bonded at Shs 300 million non-cash.
Mureebe Muhanuka: Granted Shs 20 million cash bail. Ordered to deposit the certificate of title for his residence in Goma Cell and surrender his passport. Sureties bonded at Shs 300 million non-cash.
Kaaya Rajab: Granted Shs 20 million cash bail. Ordered to present a purchase certificate for his home in Kyebando and deposit his passport. Sureties bonded at Shs 300 million non-cash.
Emmanuel Okwi: Granted Shs 20 million cash bail. Directed to present a title for property in Kyaggwe and surrender his passport. Sureties bonded at Shs 300 million non-cash.
The case will return to court for further trial proceedings and mention as the prosecution concludes its committal processes to the High Court.
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