Uganda: Adolf Mwesige Replaced as Clerk of Parliament Amid Probe

• Adolf Mwesige was removed as Clerk to Parliament after a five-year tenure marked by corruption investigations.
• President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni nominated Edward Sengonzi Damulira as the new Clerk, part of a wider Permanent Secretaries reshuffle.
• Mwesige was implicated in a Shs27 billion corruption probe and faced a judicial directive for disciplinary action over a Shs1.7 billion service award.
• Edward Sengonzi Damulira, an economist, previously served in the Ministry of Finance and other key government offices.
• All new Permanent Secretary appointments, including Damulira's, are subject to assessment by the Public Service Commission.

The replacement of a high-ranking parliamentary official like Adolf Mwesige amidst such intense scrutiny underscores a potential shift in the government's approach to accountability within its institutions.

Adolf Mwesige has been removed from his position as Clerk to Parliament, concluding a five-year term that faced increasing scrutiny and multiple corruption investigations into parliamentary administration. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially nominated Edward Sengonzi Damulira as the new Clerk to Parliament on Sunday. This significant change is part of a broader Uganda Permanent Secretaries reshuffle initiated by the President, executed under the authority granted by Article 174(2) of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda.

Mr. Mwesige, who previously served as Minister of Defence and Minister of Local Government, assumed the role of Clerk in August 2021, succeeding Jane Kibirige. His departure marks a pivotal moment for the parliamentary institution, occurring amidst a period of heightened public and judicial interest in its financial dealings and administrative practices. The President's decision signals a clear intent to address concerns within the public service.

The tenure of Adolf Mwesige was characterized by intense public and investigative scrutiny. In May 2026, State House investigators and auditors conducted raids and sealed the offices of both then-Speaker Anita Among and Mr. Mwesige, as part of an ongoing Uganda parliamentary corruption probe. This investigation focused on alleged financial improprieties within the institution.

Furthermore, Mr. Mwesige was identified as a potential state witness in a legal matter concerning an alleged Shs27 billion corruption scheme, which has since led to formal charges and committal of several parliamentary officials for trial, and reportedly involved parliamentary corporate social responsibility and donation funds. Despite this, he was not formally charged in connection with these allegations. His administration also drew criticism over a controversial Shs1.7 billion service award disbursed to four parliamentary backbench commissioners. In August 2024, High Court Judge Douglas Singiza issued a directive to the Secretary to the Treasury, mandating disciplinary action against Mr. Mwesige for his involvement in the decision-making and implementation of these specific payments.

The nominated successor, Edward Sengonzi Damulira, brings a strong economic background to the role of Clerk to Parliament. He holds a PhD in Economics and has a distinguished career in public service, having previously served as Under Secretary and Accounting Officer at the Ministry of Finance. Mr. Damulira has also held positions within the Office of the President and the Ministry of Health, accumulating diverse experience across key government sectors.

His appointment, along with the other Museveni PS appointments, is not yet finalized. The President has instructed the Public Service Commission to rigorously assess the suitability of all nominees and provide their recommendations accordingly. This process ensures that all proposed Permanent Secretaries meet the necessary qualifications and standards for their respective roles. The full list of other nominees includes Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga for the Office of the Prime Minister, Maureen Kasande for the Inspectorate of Government, and Sheeba Kyobutungi Rujoki for the Office of the President (Science, Technology and Innovation), among others across various ministries and commissions.

President Museveni did not offer any explicit explanation regarding the specific circumstances of Adolf Mwesige's departure, nor did he indicate whether Mr. Mwesige would be reassigned to another government position. This lack of public clarification leaves room for speculation, particularly given the backdrop of the ongoing Uganda parliamentary corruption probe and judicial directives. The replacement of a high-ranking parliamentary official like Adolf Mwesige amidst such intense scrutiny underscores a potential shift in the government's approach to accountability within its institutions.

The Edward Sengonzi Damulira appointment, alongside the wider Uganda Permanent Secretaries reshuffle, signifies a significant administrative overhaul. This move could be interpreted as an effort to restore public confidence and enhance transparency in parliamentary operations, especially following the various allegations that shadowed the previous administration. The directive for the Public Service Commission to thoroughly vet all nominees further emphasizes a commitment to due process in these high-level government changes.

The removal of a high-ranking parliamentary official amidst corruption investigations, even without formal charges, signals intensified scrutiny of public administration and financial conduct in Uganda. Lawyers and compliance officers should advise clients on heightened due diligence and robust anti-corruption compliance frameworks when engaging with government entities or officials, particularly those involved in parliamentary affairs, to mitigate emerging risks.

Source: Original reporting via Independent (Kampala)