How Obore used Bukedea villagers’ IDs to account for Shs 675m

Parliament’s director of communications and public affairs, Chris Obore Ariko allegedly used the National Identification Cards (NIDs) and driving permits of drivers in Bukedea district without their knowledge to account for more than Shs 675 million in public funds.

In a petition dated July 2, 2026, to the Inspector General of Government (IGG), the Kachumbala Drivers and Loaders Association says it was shocked to discover that its members’ National Identification Cards (NINs) and driving permits had allegedly been used without their knowledge to support accountability documents submitted under the Parliamentary Commission.

The association’s chairperson, Julius Opedun, says members were stunned to learn that photocopies of their identification documents had allegedly been attached to accountability records submitted to various government institutions, including Parliament.

“It has come to my attention through the office of the chairperson, Local Council I, that several identification documents (National IDs and Driving Permits) of my association members were used by Mr. Obore Chris Ariko to account for millions of public funds under the Parliamentary Commission,” the petition states.

According to the petition, the affected members and the amounts allegedly accounted for in their names include Anguri Yazidi (Shs 80 million), Ben Okiria (Shs 33 million), Ivan Okodol (Shs 35 million), Erick Masai (Shs 160 million) and Moses Etoori (Shs 15 million).

Others listed are Ben Olupot (Shs 20 million), Joseph Kisoke (Shs 50 million), Robert Eretu (Shs 60 million), Stephen Omuron (Shs 22 million), Rajab Olangato (Shs 50 million), David Ongima (Shs 70 million), Fred Watwale (Shs 70 million) and Vincent Omoding (Shs 10 million).

The association says none of the members received the money allegedly accounted for in their names and argues that the alleged misuse of their identities has caused distress and damaged its reputation.

“It is regrettable that our plight was used by other people to enrich themselves,” the petition reads.

“I am bringing to your attention the fact that none of my members received the funds allegedly accounted against their names.”

The petitioners want the IGG to investigate the alleged misuse of their identities and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

One of the individuals named in the petition, Robert Eretu, who is allegedly listed as having received Shs 60 million, said he was shocked to learn that his name had been used.

“My name just appeared, but I have never received the money. I only got to know about it when I was called to the LC1 chairperson’s office to meet officials from the IGG,” Eretu said.

He said the revelation left him fearful.

“When I heard about it, I didn’t know whether to run for my life or suffer for a crime I didn’t commit,” he said.

Musa Iloko, the LC1 chairperson of Komuriakerei village in Kachumbala sub-county, Bukedea district, said residents were equally surprised to learn that villagers had allegedly received such large sums of money.

“The people who are said to have received the money are struggling even to feed their families. Their lives are miserable, yet huge sums of money are tagged to them. People should be fair. We should be humane and pity the lives of these people,” Iloko said.

He added that since news of the alleged embezzlement emerged, many residents have been living in fear because of the ongoing anti-corruption investigations involving senior political leaders.

According to Opedun, the association’s Sacco had previously sought financial assistance from several district leaders, including Members of Parliament. As part of the process, members were reportedly asked to submit copies of their National IDs, NINs and driving permits.

He suspects those documents may have been misused after being submitted in the course of seeking financial assistance. All the individuals allegedly linked to the Shs 675 million accountability are residents of Komuriakerei village in Kachumbala sub-county, Bukedea district.

The petition comes as investigations into alleged corruption involving officials attached to parliament continue. On July 2, Obore and six other parliament officials were remanded to Luzira Prison until July 7 after appearing before the Anti-Corruption court on charges including embezzlement, causing financial loss and money laundering.

Prosecutors allege the accused participated in fraudulent accountability and the misuse of public funds. They deny the charges.

The latest complaint could widen the scope of the investigations by suggesting that ordinary citizens’ identification documents were allegedly used to support questionable public expenditure.

Ali Munirah, spokesperson for the Inspector General of Government, had not commented on the petition by the time of publication.

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