The High Court in Kampala has ruled that the Shs500 million awarded to former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga and Shs400 million each to three other Parliament commissioners was within the national budget approved by Parliament. This ruling confirms that the service awards were legitimate in terms of budget approval, but it does not end the controversy surrounding these payments.
The court has directed the Secretary to the Treasury to start disciplinary actions against the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesigye, due to his involvement in the decision-making and implementation of these payments. Justice Douglas Karekona Singiza, who delivered the ruling, noted that while the awards were included in the Appropriations Bill and passed by Parliament, the court’s role was not to evaluate the procedures of Parliament or the Executive but to ensure correct implementation of the awards.
Justice Singiza addressed concerns raised by Mr. Daniel Bwette, who had filed the case on May 23, 2025, arguing that the service awards were improperly handled. The judge explained that the court’s oversight was limited to the procedure followed in deciding the awards, not the overall appropriateness of the payments.
According to the judge, the conflict of interest argument presented by Mr. Bwette was not sufficient to challenge the legality of the payments. The allowances for Parliamentary Commission members are set by the Commission with Parliament’s approval, and this process was adhered to, according to the court.
In his August 12, 2024 ruling, Justice Singiza suggested that the Attorney General should consider creating a Salary and Emoluments Review Board Bill. This proposed board would review and harmonize the salaries and allowances of government and political leaders, aiming to reduce the temptation of ad hoc salary increases disguised as awards. The judge highlighted concerns about reports of government and political figures awarding themselves substantial sums of money, which could deplete national resources if left unchecked.
Mr. Bwette’s application had argued that the Shs1.7 billion disbursed to four individuals, including Mpuuga and three commissioners, was illegal, oppressive, and unfair. He sought a declaration that the awards were null and void, citing that such payments were not part of Parliament’s standard payment structures and lacked proper authorization.
On May 6, 2022, the four commissioners, including Prossy Akampurira (Rubanda Woman MP), Solomon Silwanyi (Bukooli Central MP), Esther Afoyochan (Zombo Woman MP), and Mpuuga, were awarded these substantial sums during a meeting with the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among. Mr. Bwette argued that these awards did not fit within the legitimate benefits for Parliament members.
Mr. Bwette’s lawsuit contended that the Parliamentary Commission’s decision to grant these awards was a misuse of administrative power and violated constitutional guidelines. His legal team from Nabwire & Co. Advocates sought a court declaration that this decision was invalid due to procedural and legal improprieties.
Meanwhile, Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo has launched a campaign to censure Mpuuga and his colleagues. Ssekikubo plans to present a list of MPs who support this motion. Although the National Unity Platform (NUP), Mpuuga’s party, attempted to recall him, it lacked the authority to do so. The removal of Mpuuga and his fellow commissioners now depends on the success of the censure motion, despite opposition from NRM Chief Whip Hamson Obua.
Additionally, city lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi has withdrawn his private criminal prosecution against the commissioners and the Speaker to facilitate the parliamentary censure process.
