Kampala, Uganda
The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has summoned former Parliamentary Commissioners as part of ongoing investigations into the controversial Shs1.7 billion service awards that were approved and paid to members of Parliament’s top administrative body in 2022.
The development revives a matter that sparked widespread public outrage, political debate, and legal challenges after details emerged about substantial payouts made to commissioners at a time when the country was grappling with economic pressures and demands for greater accountability in public spending.
The controversy centers on a decision by the Parliamentary Commission to approve special service awards totaling approximately Shs1.7 billion for commissioners.
Court records and previously published documents indicate that Former Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mathias Mpuuga received Shs500 million and other commissioners reportedly received Shs400 million each.
The payments were made in May 2022 and were described as service awards for commissioners’ work during their tenure.
Parliamentary Commission is the body responsible for the administration and welfare of Parliament and is composed of senior parliamentary leaders, including the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, government and opposition representatives, and other elected commissioners.
According to reports, the Inspectorate of Government is examining the circumstances under which the awards were approved and paid.
The anti-corruption body has summoned former commissioners to provide information regarding the decision-making process behind the payments and the legal basis for the awards;
IGG has not publicly disclosed the full scope of its investigation or any preliminary findings.
Reports indicate that former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among chaired the Parliamentary Commission meeting during which the service awards were approved.
However, investigators have not publicly announced any findings against Among regarding the matter.
The issue returns to public attention at a time when Among is already facing scrutiny over separate investigations relating to alleged wealth declaration irregularities and corruption-related allegations.
She has previously stated that she is willing to cooperate with state investigations.
The payouts generated significant controversy when details became public.
Critics argued that the awards were excessive and lacked transparency, particularly given the economic challenges facing many Ugandans.
The controversy became one of the most discussed political issues in Uganda during 2024 and led to demands for accountability from both government and opposition leaders.
The service award payments were subsequently challenged in court by activists and concerned citizens.
Court filings questioned the legality and appropriateness of the awards, with petitioners seeking judicial intervention to determine whether public resources had been improperly allocated.
The legal challenges contributed to increased public scrutiny of Parliament’s financial management and internal governance structures.
While some aspects of the dispute remain subject to ongoing legal processes, the IGG investigation represents a separate accountability mechanism focused on potential breaches of leadership and anti-corruption laws.
Governance experts argue that investigations into the service awards will be closely watched as a test of Uganda’s anti-corruption institutions and their willingness to examine decisions involving senior political figures.
The summoned former commissioners are expected to appear before the Inspectorate of Government to provide explanations and documentation relating to the payments.
The IGG will then determine whether there is sufficient evidence to recommend administrative action, recovery of funds, or further legal proceedings.
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