In a move that is likely to spark outrage across the country, Uganda’s Parliamentary commissioners are set to receive an additional Shs 500 million, this time under the guise of an “election package.”
The money, reportedly approved through internal negotiations with top parliamentary executives, is intended to boost their chances in the 2026 elections.
This payout, which sources say will be disbursed before Easter, follows a troubling pattern of self-allocated funds by members of Parliament. The commissioners, Hon. Mathias Mpuga, Hon. Afoyocan Esther, Hon. Prossy Akampurira Begumisa Mbabazi, and Hon. Solomon Silwany have argued that increased funding is essential for securing their political survival.
Parliamentary leadership is said to have greenlit the deal in what insiders described as a “spirit of comradeship.”
This latest windfall adds to a growing list of controversial payouts. Last year, the same commissioners quietly awarded themselves Shs 400 million. Just last week, all Members of Parliament, including these commissioners, accepted an Easter “token” of Shs 100 million each.
These repeated handouts have provoked widespread public frustration, especially as millions of Ugandans continue to grapple with basic needs.
In rural and urban communities alike, citizens face crumbling infrastructure, dilapidated schools, underfunded hospitals, and acute shortages of clean water.
Critics argue that these self-serving payouts reflect a dangerous misalignment of priorities within the country’s leadership.
Rather than investing in the nation’s struggling health, education, and road systems, public funds are being funneled into the personal war chests of politicians.
As Uganda inches closer to the 2026 elections, these developments raise serious concerns about governance, accountability, and the growing disconnect between elected leaders and the people they are meant to serve.
This is a developing story, we shall keep you posted.
