He is the first official convicted since President Bingu wa Mutharika launched an anti-corruption campaign.
He was sacked last year after being accused of using $1,500 of public funds to pay expenses for his wedding at a hotel in Blantyre.
His wife, Diana, burst into tears when the sentence was read out. The court was packed with his supporters.
His conviction last month means he loses his seat in parliament, which he won on the ticket of the former ruling United Democratic Front (UDF).
His lawyer said he would appeal and had already repaid the money.
He collapsed in prison last week following a bout of hypertension and diabetes.
The BBC's Raphael Tenthani in Blantyre says Mwawa looked calm as the sentence was announced.
President Mutharika has left the UDF, saying the party did not support his drive against corruption.
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