Parliament shaken by Shs70 Billion theft scandal as Anita Among’s former aides face charges

Uganda’s Parliament has been rocked by a massive corruption scandal after seven senior officials were charged over the alleged theft of more than Shs70 billion, in a case that is now drawing attention to some of the country’s most powerful political figures.

The accused officials, many of whom served under former Speaker Anita Among, appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala and were later remanded to Luzira Prison pending further investigations.

At the center of the case is Parliament’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Chris Obore, one of the institution’s most recognizable public officials.

Prosecutors accuse him and the other suspects of participating in a network that allegedly diverted public funds through irregular payments and internal financial transactions.

Authorities say the money is believed to have been moved through parliamentary accounts and staff cooperative systems over a period of several years.

For readers unfamiliar with the case, investigators believe some officials used their positions inside Parliament to approve or process questionable payments disguised as staff welfare expenses, allowances and SACCO transactions.

A SACCO is a member-based savings and loans cooperative commonly used by workers and institutions.

Investigators now suspect such structures may have been used to conceal or distribute part of the money under investigation.

The Inspectorate of Government (IGG), Uganda’s main anti-corruption agency, says the suspects are facing charges that include corruption, money laundering, abuse of office and causing financial loss to government.

The scandal has become politically sensitive because it touches the inner workings of Parliament, the institution responsible for making laws and overseeing government spending.

Former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga has also reportedly come under investigation as detectives review financial decisions and controversial payments approved during the 11th Parliament.

However, authorities have not announced any criminal charges against him.

The investigations have further increased pressure on former Speaker Anita Among, whose administration is now facing growing scrutiny over how billions of shillings could allegedly disappear within parliamentary systems without being detected earlier.

Analysts say the case could become one of the most consequential corruption investigations in recent parliamentary history because of the seniority of the officials involved and the large amount of money allegedly lost.

The accused officials are expected back in court as investigators continue tracing financial records, bank transactions and internal approvals linked to the alleged scheme.

With public anger growing, many Ugandans are now demanding stronger oversight and accountability inside Parliament, amid fears that corruption within state institutions may be far deeper than previously known.