New Clerk Sengonzi Inherits Parliament's Accountability and Credibility Burden

What the report says

Dr Edward Sengonzi Damulira has been nominated by President Yoweri Museveni to become the next Clerk to Parliament, a role that would place him in charge of the legislature’s administration, finances and staffing if confirmed through the required procedures. Nile Post reports that Sengonzi is set to replace Adolf Mwesige Kasaija, who is due to retire, and would become the institution’s chief administrative officer and Accounting Officer.

The nomination comes as Parliament faces renewed pressure to rebuild public confidence after years of controversy over spending, recruitment and accountability. The report highlights the public backlash over the Shs1.7 billion service award paid to four parliamentary commissioners, as well as wider criticism linked to alleged irregularities in Parliament’s administrative systems. It also notes that in August 2024 the High Court directed the Secretary to the Treasury to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Mwesige over his role in processing those payments, while other related allegations have not resulted in formal charges, according to the reporting.

Sengonzi arrives with a background in public finance management. He recently received a Public Finance Management Champion award and previously served as Undersecretary and Accounting Officer at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The article says his career has also included work in the Ministry of Health and the Office of the President. His academic credentials include economics and public policy training from Makerere University, plus legal studies at the Law Development Centre.

Nile Post says Parliament is already carrying out internal reforms, including a staff screening exercise launched under Speaker Jacob Oboth. Sengonzi’s challenge, if confirmed, will be to strengthen internal controls, improve transparency and help restore trust in an institution that is expected to hold other public bodies accountable.