Top OPM Officials Remanded to Luzira Over Abuse of Office

KAMPALA — July 30, 2026: A senior official in Uganda’s Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and an Information Technology officer have been remanded to Luzira Prison over allegations of abuse of office, in the latest corruption-related case involving government officials.

Patrick Okello, the OPM Commissioner for Refugees Management, and Noel Ikwap, an Assistant Information Technology Officer at OPM, were on Thursday ordered to remain in custody after appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court.

The two officials were presented before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe, who remanded them to Luzira Prison until August 10, 2026.

They are expected to return to court at 10:00 a.m. on that date for the mention of their case and hearing of their respective applications for bail.

The case was instituted by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) as the anti-corruption agency intensifies its enforcement of accountability and the rule of law among public officials.

The prosecution team from the IGG was led by Mikka Luteete, Principal Officer Prosecutions, alongside Diana Nantabazi, Principal Officer Litigation, and Pius Kaweesi, an Inspectorate Officer.

The prosecution of Okello and Ikwap adds to a growing list of cases in which government officials have been brought before Uganda’s anti-corruption courts over alleged misconduct in the exercise of their public duties.

For the IGG, the case forms part of its stated efforts to combat corruption, abuse of public office and violations of accountability standards within government institutions.

Okello’s position as Commissioner for Refugees Management makes the case particularly significant, given OPM’s central role in coordinating refugee affairs and humanitarian programmes in Uganda.

The two officials have not been convicted of any offence. The allegations against them will have to be proved before a court of law.

For now, Okello and Ikwap remain in Luzira Prison, pending their next appearance and determination of their bail applications.