KAMPALA — The Anti-Corruption Court has remanded the Commissioner for Refugees Management in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Patrick Okello, and the institution’s Assistant Information Technology Officer, Noel Ikwap, to Luzira Prison on charges of abuse of office.
The two officials appeared before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe, who ordered that they remain on remand until August 10, 2026, when they are expected to return to court for the mention of their case and hearing of their bail application.
The charges were brought by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), which said the prosecution forms part of its ongoing efforts to enforce accountability and uphold the rule of law in the management of public affairs. The Inspectorate is constitutionally mandated to investigate corruption, abuse of office and maladministration in public institutions.
A prosecution team comprising Principal Officer Prosecutions Mikka Luteete, Principal Officer Litigation Diana Nantabazi and Inspectorate Officer Pius Kaweesi represented the IGG during the court proceedings.
In a statement, the Inspectorate said the prosecution underscores its commitment to combating corruption and abuse of public office.
“The prosecution of the two officials underscores the IGG’s unwavering resolve to combat corruption and abuse of public office,” the Inspectorate said.
The IGG did not immediately disclose further details regarding the specific circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse of office.
The Office of the Prime Minister oversees Uganda’s refugee response, coordinating humanitarian assistance and refugee management in partnership with government agencies, the United Nations and development partners. Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, with more than 1.8 million refugees, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The case comes as anti-corruption agencies continue to intensify investigations and prosecutions targeting alleged abuse of office and misuse of public resources across government institutions.
