OPM commissioner, IT officer remanded over abuse of office charges

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 in custody until 10 August 2026. They are expected to return to court for the mention of their case and the hearing of their bail application at 10:00 a.m.

The charges were brought by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) as part of its ongoing efforts to enforce accountability and uphold the rule of law in the management of public affairs.

The prosecution team was led by Inspectorate Officer Pius Kaweesi and included Principal Officer Prosecutions Mikka Luteete and Principal Officer Litigation Diana Nantabazi, who appeared on behalf of the Inspectorate of Government.

The IGG said the prosecution reflects its continued commitment to fighting corruption and abuse of public office, emphasizing that public officials entrusted with managing government resources and responsibilities must be held accountable for their actions.

The case adds to a series of anti-corruption prosecutions pursued by the Inspectorate of Government as Uganda intensifies efforts to promote transparency, strengthen public sector accountability, and deter abuse of office within government institutions.

The matter will return to the Anti-Corruption Court on 10 August 2026 for further proceedings, including the hearing of the accused officials’ bail application.