By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Parliament has appointed veteran communications professional, Grace Gidudu as acting director of communication and public affairs following the arrest of the substantive director, Chris Obore.
The appointment was made by the clerk to parliament pending a decision by the Parliamentary Commission on substantive appointments.
“Ms. Grace Gidudu has been appointed Acting Director, Communication and Public Affairs. Ms. Gidudu has been serving as Assistant Director, Media Relations, and is a long-serving member of the Parliamentary Service,” reads a brief statement on Parliament’s X-Handle today, Friday, July 17, 2026.
In the same changes, Benson Masereka Oniz was appointed acting director of human resource management following the arrest of the substantive director of human resource management, Daniel Adilo.
Gidudu brings years of experience in institutional communication, having served as assistant director for media relations, where she coordinated parliamentary media coverage, public information campaigns and engagement between parliament and the media.
She is widely recognised within Uganda’s media and parliamentary circles for her expertise in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement and public information management.
Her approach to public communication was recently demonstrated during the induction of newly elected members of parliament at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where she urged legislators to communicate responsibly, verify information before making public statements and adequately prepare for media interviews.
“Avoid comments without facts. Verify facts before going to the media,” she advised, describing the media as a “double-edged sword” that requires accuracy, preparation and professionalism.
Gidudu also encouraged MPs to use social media responsibly, noting that digital platforms have become indispensable tools for engaging citizens but should be used in a manner that safeguards both personal credibility and the integrity of parliament.
The appointments come amid ongoing investigations by the Inspector General of Government (IGG) into alleged financial irregularities within parliament.
Investigators accuse Obore of involvement in the alleged embezzlement of Shs 5.253 billion as part of a wider probe into the suspected diversion of Shs 10.893 billion in public funds between 2023 and 2026. Adilo is also facing charges arising from the same investigations.
Under the Administration of Parliament Act, the parliamentary commission is responsible for appointing, confirming, promoting and exercising disciplinary control over parliamentary staff.
Acting appointments are an administrative measure intended to ensure continuity of operations while substantive appointments are being considered.
As parliament settles into the early months of the 12th parliament, the directorate of communication and public affairs is expected to play a central role in informing the public about legislative business, committee activities, public hearings and national policy debates.
