By Spy Uganda
In a significant development, the Secretary to Uganda’s Electoral Commission (EC), Mr. Leonard Mulekwah, along with five senior election officials, has been suspended amid ongoing investigations into allegations of financial mismanagement and misuse of funds. The decision, confirmed by EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, highlights the Commission’s efforts to address concerns of corruption within its ranks.
The suspension comes as part of a broader internal inquiry into the Commission’s financial operations, which has raised alarm due to irregularities reported in recent audits. Byabakama, addressing the media on Thursday, confirmed the suspensions, stating, “It is true, Mulekwah and others are suspended pending investigations into issues of accountability.”
Mulekwah, who has been with the EC since 1993 and has held various roles within the organization, was appointed Secretary to the Commission in 2020, following the forced resignation of his predecessor, Sam Rwakoojo. His tenure has now come under intense scrutiny, with allegations accusing him and several senior colleagues of inflating costs, particularly regarding fuel expenses incurred during election activities.
In a memo dated January 13, 2025, Mulekwah acknowledged the suspension and confirmed that he was under investigation for misconduct. Justice Byabakama stressed that the suspension is a routine measure to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigations and to avoid any potential interference with the process. He further pointed out that the Commission is committed to transparency and fairness, particularly as Uganda heads into future elections. “We want to ensure that there is no compromise in the electoral processes, and suspending these officials is necessary to maintain the public’s trust,” he said.
While the allegations are still being thoroughly investigated, reports from the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) have already implicated Mulekwah and other senior officials in a pattern of financial mismanagement, particularly related to inflated expenditure claims. The IGG’s report details instances of the Commission overspending on fuel, among other irregularities. These findings have ignited public concern over the handling of taxpayer funds, especially in a year when the Commission is expected to play a crucial role in the preparation for Uganda’s upcoming elections.
This is not the first time that Mulekwah has faced allegations of corruption. Back in October 2024, he was sent on forced leave amid similar accusations of financial mismanagement. At that time, the IGG’s investigation had suggested that top EC officials were involved in questionable practices that had undermined public confidence in the Commission’s operations. Mulekwah’s temporary leave was positioned as a preventive measure to allow for a thorough investigation, though concerns over long-term accountability remain.
In the interim, EC Director of Operations, Richard Kamugisha, has been tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Commission. Kamugisha’s leadership is expected to be critical as the investigation unfolds and as the EC prepares for its electoral duties in the coming months.
The latest suspensions and investigations signal a continued effort by Uganda’s leadership to clean up the electoral process, which has often been marred by accusations of malpractice. Justice Byabakama emphasized that restoring integrity to the EC is a key priority, particularly as the nation prepares for upcoming electoral cycles.
