The High Court has ruled in favour of the Shs1.7 billion Service Award given to four Commissioners of Parliament, stating that the payment was lawfully approved by Parliament. However, the Court also emphasized the need for reforms to prevent the misuse of service awards, warning that unchecked, agencies could deplete national coffers.
Justice Douglas Karekona Singiza of the High Court’s Civil Division delivered the ruling on August 12, and directed the Secretary to Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, to take disciplinary action against Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, over the controversial payments.
Former Leader of Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga, who is one of the commissioners who received the money, welcomed the court’s decision, stating: “The Court in its powers decided that some right-thinking Ugandans and those who have been following the discussion that any MP that doesn’t understand the processes of Parliament is just a burden to taxpayers. The Court’s ruling is what we said from the start that all these matters were handled legally.”
Mpuuga added: “Individually, this issue has been capitalised on by many people to disrespect me, but I want to thank all Ugandans who stood with me… With the court ruling, I will be informing Ugandans my next step especially all the things that have been done by individuals that have been trying to soil my image and reputation by hiding other such issues… Whatever the Court has given us, we shall move with that maybe, the people God gave heads that have mouths, ears, eyes, and brains, the ruling of court could help them to know that they should never use their mouth alone, but they should use all the parts on their head.”
Mpuuga is reported to have received Shs500 million, while the other commissioners—Solomon Silwany (Bukooli Central), Esther Afoyochan (Zombo Woman), and Prossy Mbabazi (Rubanda Woman)—received Shs400 million each. The meeting in which this money was allocated and approved was chaired by Speaker Anita Among.
Meanwhile, MPs led by Lwemiyaga legislator, Theodore Ssekikubo, have already submitted a list of signatures to Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesigye, supporting the censure of the four Parliament commissioners who received the Service Award.
