Adolf Mwesige, the Clerk to Parliament, has petitioned the High Court to overturn a ruling that recommended disciplinary action against him over his involvement in the controversial Shs1.7 billion service award to four back-bench commissioners.
Mwesige contends that he was not a party to the initial case and was condemned without a fair hearing, which he argues violates his right to natural justice.
In his application, he claims that the court’s decision was made without providing him an opportunity to present his case, thus breaching his constitutional rights.
Mwesige is seeking an interim order to halt the execution and implementation of the orders against him, specifically those directing that disciplinary proceedings be instituted.
The ruling by High Court Judge Douglas Singiza found the award process legal but criticized Mwesige for failing in his duties as an accounting officer.
Singiza instructed the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury to commence disciplinary action against Mwesige within a year.
Justice Singiza is scheduled to hear Mwesige’s application on September 10.
The controversy over the service award has sparked public outrage, leading to an online campaign under the hashtag #UgandaParliamentExhibition.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership has also called on Mathias Mpuuga, one of the beneficiaries, to return the money and step down from the parliamentary commission.