The Clerk to Parliament, Mr Adolf Mwesige, has petitioned the High Court to recall a ruling that recommended disciplinary proceedings against him for alleged negligence during the decision-making process that led to the controversial award of Shs1.7 billion to four back-bench commissioners, including former Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga.
In his application dated August 26, Mr Mwesige argues that he was not a party to the original case that led to the court’s orders, thereby violating his right to natural justice by being condemned without a hearing.
“The court’s finding that the applicant (Clerk to Parliament) neglected his duty as the accounting officer of the Parliamentary Commission vote, which was the basis for orders No. 2 and 3 in the ruling, was made without affording the applicant an opportunity to be heard. This is prejudicial and constitutes a violation of his non-derogable constitutional right to be heard,” reads part of Mr. Mwesige’s application before the High Court.
On August 13, High Court Judge Douglas Singiza ruled that the process leading to the service award to the commissioners was legal, reasoning that it had been approved by Parliament and was part of the budget presented by the Executive. However, the judge criticized the Clerk to Parliament for attending the meeting that endorsed the service award, stating that as the accounting officer, he should have ensured the proper use and control of public funds.
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