KAMPALA — Chris Ariko Obore, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Parliament, who once publicly described himself as former Speaker Anita Among’s “dog” tasked with defending her, has been remanded to Luzira Prison over allegations of embezzlement and money laundering.
Obore is among seven senior Parliament officials arrested by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of public funds between 2023 and 2026. The suspects appeared before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe and were remanded until July 7, 2026, pending further proceedings at the Anti-Corruption Court.
The development marks a dramatic fall from grace for one of Parliament’s most outspoken communications officials, widely known for his fierce public defence of Speaker Anita Among during past corruption controversies.
From ‘Guard Dog’ of the Speaker to Accused in Court
Obore’s arrest has drawn public attention due to his past political rhetoric and open declarations of loyalty to the then Speaker Anita Among.
In 2022, shortly after Among assumed the Speakership, Obore publicly declared his readiness to defend her at all costs.
“I will do anything for Anita Among… let me see anyone attack her,” Obore said during a televised political talk show, adding that he did not care even if it cost him his job.
His loyalty became even more visible in 2024 during the #UgandaParliamentExhibition campaign, when he likened himself to a “guard dog” for the Speaker.
“In any case, when you have a German Shepherd at home, it is the German Shepherd to bark,” he said, explaining why he often responded to critics on her behalf.
He also previously went viral after a celebratory video following Among’s rise to Speaker in which he declared, “We are in things,” a phrase that became symbolic of his closeness to the parliamentary leadership.
That same association now forms the backdrop to one of the most significant corruption investigations to hit Uganda’s legislature in recent years.
Charges: Shs30.7 Billion Embezzlement Allegations
According to charge sheets sanctioned by Inspector General of Government Hon. Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, Obore is accused under Count I of embezzling Shs5.253 billion, contrary to Section 18 of the Anti-Corruption Act.
Other officials facing similar embezzlement charges include:
• Adilo Daniel, Director Human Resource — allegedly Shs14.608 billion
• Okema Leonard, Executive Secretary, Office of the Speaker — allegedly Shs3.489 billion
• Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Principal Research Officer — allegedly Shs2.170 billion
• Vincent Otebata, Capacity Development Officer — allegedly Shs5.253 billion
Collectively, the individual embezzlement counts amount to more than Shs30.7 billion, allegedly lost through misuse of parliamentary funds between 2023 and 2026.
Money Laundering Allegations
In addition to embezzlement, prosecutors have also filed a joint money laundering charge against Obore, Adilo, Okema, Ssemalulu, Otebata, and Murebe Methods, the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative Savings and Credit Society (SACCO).
The prosecution alleges that between January 2023 and April 2026, the accused processed, approved, and received Shs10.893 billion, knowing or having reason to believe that the funds were proceeds of crime, contrary to the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Court Remand and IGG Position
The seven officials were remanded to Luzira Prison by Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe and are expected to reappear in court on July 7, 2026.
The charges were prepared by Brenda Kimbugwe Mawanda, Manager of Prosecutions at the IGG, following authorization from the Inspector General of Government.
In a statement, the Inspectorate of Government reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and the rule of law.
“The Inspectorate continues to strengthen integrity in public service and reinforce the principle that no individual is above the law,” IGG said.
Wider Anti-Corruption Crackdown
The arrests form part of a broader anti-corruption drive targeting alleged financial misconduct in public institutions, with investigators focusing on accountability in the management of government funds.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as more details emerge on the alleged multi-billion-shilling scheme within Parliament.
The accused remain in custody as they await appearance before the Anti-Corruption Court.
