Summary:
- The Ministry of Finance’s decision to reduce Parliament’s budget by Shs78.698 Billion has been met with rejection, with calls for the Ministry to restore the budget to its current operating level to avoid hindering the institution’s operations.
KAMPALA: Parliament has requested over Shs125 Billion for salaries, travel expenses, and per diems for the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, and Members of Parliament to attend various local and international events they’ve been invited to.
Additional funds are needed for MPs to conduct oversight activities within Committees.
The details were outlined in the 2024/25 ministerial policy statement for the Parliamentary Commission. The Ministry of Finance’s decision to reduce Parliament’s budget by Shs78.698 Billion has been met with rejection, with calls for the Ministry to restore the budget to its current operating level to avoid hindering the institution’s operations.
“The shortfall in the budget is due to increased invitations locally and internationally, requiring official engagements and participation from these offices. The budget shortfall for these offices amounts to Shs37.685 Billion,” stated the report from the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. It recommends allocating an additional Shs37.685 Billion to cover this operational shortfall.
Citing Article 79 of the Constitution, which grants Parliament powers to carry out oversight, legislation, and representation functions, Parliament demands an extra Shs82.272 Billion to fulfill its mandate.
“Failure to address this shortfall will impede timely and responsive oversight, legislation, and representation functions,” the report from the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee emphasized.
