Parliamentary SACCO boss denies money laundering allegations as IGG charges seven officials
KAMPALA, July 10, 2026 — The leadership of the Parliamentary SACCO has denied allegations that the institution was used to embezzle and launder public funds after seven Parliament officials were arrested and charged by the Inspectorate of Government [IGG].
On July 2, 2026, the IGG charged the seven officials with multiple counts of embezzlement, causing financial loss and money laundering involving more than Shs 35 billion allegedly misappropriated between 2023 and 2026.
The accused are Chris Obore, Director of Communication and Public Affairs at the Parliament of Uganda; Daniel Adilo, Director of Human Resources at the Parliament of Uganda; Leonard Okema, Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker of Parliament; and Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Principal Research Officer at the Parliament of Uganda.
Others are Vincent Otebata, Capacity Development Officer at the Parliament of Uganda; Emmanuel Emuron Okwi, Principal Protocol Officer at the Parliament of Uganda; and Methods Mureebe, Chief Executive Officer of the Parliamentary SACCO.
The arrests and charging of the officials followed the apprehension of the former Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among, by security agencies over the alleged misuse of billions of shillings in public funds while she was still in office. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
Speaking during Coop Talks, an interactive programme hosted by theCooperator on X Spaces on July 7, 2026, Parliamentary SACCO Board Chairperson Robert Migadde, who is also the Buvuma County Member of Parliament [MP] and State Minister for Fisheries, denied the money laundering allegations levelled against some of the accused.
He said the SACCO’s management has always operated transparently and remained accountable to its members. As an example, he noted that current and former MPs, as well as parliamentary staff who belong to the SACCO, were recently asked to update their biodata to help the institution identify their next of kin in the event of death or other unforeseen circumstances.
Migadde said: “We invited members to update their biodata because some had not updated their records or indicated their next of kin. In some cases, a member passes away and several people claim entitlement to the same benefits, making it difficult to determine the rightful beneficiaries.”
He also questioned allegations that illicit funds had entered the SACCO’s financial system.
“Money passes through Parliament, and all transactions are conducted through the Bank of Uganda. Where, then, would illegal money enter the SACCO?” he asked.
On the SACCO’s lending procedures, Migadde said: “Under the SACCO’s rules, the maximum loan limit for a member is Shs 500 million. When a member applies for a loan, the SACCO and the borrower agree on the amount and the repayment schedule. For eligible borrowers, Parliament acts as the guarantor to secure the loan.”
Migadde further said the SACCO does not directly disburse cash and has always operated within the law.
Migadde and other cooperative stakeholders were discussing a topic on X platform [formerly Twitter]: MPs SACCO, Banks and Parliament in Unholy Alliance?
The charges against the parliamentary staff were brought by Brenda Kimbugwe Mawanda, Manager of Prosecutions in the Office of the Inspector General of Government, with the consent of the Inspector General of Government, Justice Annette Nalujja Aisha Batala.
The accused are expected to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court again on July 27, 2026.
Under Ugandan law, all accused persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court.
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
