KAMPALA — Seven senior parliamentary officials accused of participating in an alleged Shs27 billion corruption scheme have been remanded to Luzira Prison until July 27 after the Anti-Corruption Court declined to entertain their bail applications, saying the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Parliament's Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Chris Obore, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe alongside six co-accused on Tuesday for the mention of charges including embezzlement, causing financial loss and money laundering.
The court heard that several defence lawyers had already filed bail applications before the High Court, while others were in the process of doing so.
The prosecution opposed any attempt to seek bail before the Anti-Corruption Court, arguing that the inclusion of a money laundering charge places the matter within the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court.
"There is jurisdiction in the High Court; the case which is higher than the one we are in determines the jurisdiction," the state prosecutor submitted.
"On bail, the correct jurisdiction is the High Court. We are asking for an adjournment to another date to enable the investigations and indictment."
State prosecutors also informed the court that investigations were in advanced stages and sought more time to prepare committal papers before the matter is transferred to the High Court for trial.
The prosecution's position drew sharp criticism from the defence, which questioned why the accused had been arrested before investigations were completed.
Counsel representing Leonard Okema argued that the prosecution's request for another adjournment was unjustified.
"I am taken so aback by the state submission. It is unfortunate to arrest someone before investigations are concluded. What happens if the investigations find the suspects innocent?" the lawyer said.
"For the count which is tried in the High Court, it's not understandable that the state wants to adjourn again. They asked for an adjournment previously and we thought they were preparing committal papers."
Daniel Adilo, representing Alfred Okello Oyel, urged the magistrate to consider granting bail to some of the accused despite the pending High Court applications.
"I have no objection as to how the state wants to move, but we would like to seek for your indulgence on the question of bail," Adilo said.
"We know court can entertain some of the accused persons' bail. We would like to seek your views on bail."
Magistrate Asiimwe, however, ruled that her court could not determine the bail applications while similar applications were already pending before the High Court.
"Your file is here for mention only. On bail, the registrar will guide," she ruled.
"I cannot handle bail for those who are seeking it until the High Court handles the matter."
The proceedings also highlighted questions surrounding the absence of Stella Ilute, a staff member attached to the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Ilute, who is also implicated in the case, was represented by former Member of Parliament Asuman Basalirwa. Basalirwa asked the court to separate his client's case from the joint file, arguing that her sureties were ready and that she should be processed independently.
Ilute had previously failed to honour summons issued by the Inspectorate of Government, prompting the arrest of the other suspects. However, the court has not yet issued criminal summons against her or formally addressed her continued absence.
Separately, Obore has petitioned the High Court for bail in an application dated July 6.
In his supporting affidavit, he describes himself as a first-time offender and the sole breadwinner for his family, arguing that his continued detention has left his dependants without financial support.
"I am the sole breadwinner for my young family, who are currently struggling to secure food, school fees and medical care because of my detention," Obore stated.
He also told the court that he has substantial sureties, a fixed place of residence and would not interfere with investigations if released.
Following Tuesday's proceedings, Magistrate Asiimwe remanded all seven accused to Luzira Prison until July 27, 2026, when the case will return to court for further mention as prosecutors finalise investigations and prepare for committal to the High Court.
