Verdict in diplomatic note case involving foreign affairs officer delayed

________________

The Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court has deferred the verdict in a case involving a foreign affairs ministry service officer accused of issuing a diplomatic note recommending visas for five people to the American Embassy.

Principal grade one magistrate Paul Mujuni, on May 14, 2026, postponed the judgment, stating that it was not yet ready for delivery.

He informed both the prosecution and defence lawyer that he had not completed writing the judgment and consequently pushed the verdict to May 19, 2026.

In his final submissions through his lawyer, Dick Kasira, Opio asked the court to acquit him, arguing that the prosecution had failed to adduce sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction.

On the other hand, the prosecution, led by chief state attorney Nelly Asiku from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), urged the court to convict him, maintaining that the evidence adduced during trial proved the charge against the accused.

A diplomatic note is an official written communication used by governments and embassies to formally engage with one another. It is a legally recognised instrument used for matters such as negotiations, lodging official concerns, requesting information, and handling administrative affairs.

Prosecution’s case

The prosecution, led by Asiku from the ODPP, asserted that in July 2022, while employed as a foreign affairs officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala, Opio abused his authority.

The prosecution alleges that Opio issued a diplomatic note recommending non-government employees to the American Embassy for visa acquisition.

Furthermore, the prosecution alleged that by issuing the fake diplomatic note, Opio tarnished the image of the country and compromised both national and international security.

The prosecution argued that such actions could have far-reaching consequences, not only undermines the credibility of diplomatic processes but also potentially posing risks to security at various levels.

Opio denied the charge and is currently out on bail.