A corruption scandal involving the alleged theft of more than Shs70 billion from Uganda’s Parliament has intensified after seven senior parliamentary staff members were formally charged and remanded to Luzira Prison.
The case has sent shockwaves through the country because the accused officials are linked to the former leadership of Parliament under ex-Speaker Anita Among, one of Uganda’s most powerful political figures in recent years.
Among those charged is Parliament spokesperson and Director of Communications Chris Obore, alongside several senior administrators from departments responsible for staff affairs, finance and welfare coordination.
Prosecutors say the officials took part in a coordinated scheme that allegedly diverted billions of shillings through irregular approvals, staff payments and transactions connected to parliamentary cooperative structures.
Investigators believe the suspected fraud may have happened over several years without attracting public attention.
For many Ugandans hearing about the scandal for the first time, the case is not about missing cash physically disappearing from Parliament.
Instead, authorities say the money was allegedly moved through official systems using documents, approvals and internal financial channels that made the transactions appear legitimate.
Part of the investigation focuses on the Parliamentary SACCO, a savings and credit cooperative used by staff members for saving and borrowing money.
Detectives suspect some transactions linked to the SACCO may have been used to process or conceal funds now under investigation.
The Inspectorate of Government (IGG), which is leading the inquiry, says the suspects face charges including corruption, abuse of office, money laundering and causing financial loss.
The accused were presented before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala before being sent to Luzira Prison as investigations continue.
The scandal has now widened beyond the parliamentary staff already arrested. Former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga is reportedly being investigated as detectives review controversial financial approvals and service-related payments made during the previous Parliament.
No criminal charges have been announced against Mpuuga, but investigators are said to be examining whether senior political leaders had knowledge of suspicious transactions or benefited from them.
The case has also increased pressure on former Speaker Anita Among, whose tenure is now facing renewed scrutiny over accountability and financial management within Parliament.
Political commentators say the investigation could expose deeper problems inside public institutions, especially concerning oversight, procurement and internal financial controls.
As the court process begins, anti-corruption agencies are expected to summon more witnesses, review bank records and track additional transactions linked to the alleged Shs70 billion scheme.
The outcome of the case is likely to shape public debate on corruption and accountability ahead of Uganda’s next political season.
