Ugandan MPs from ruling and opposition parties receive Sh100 million each from President Museveni
The money is reportedly as a token of appreciation for their “good behavior” and in response to financial struggles among some legislators.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has gifted Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political factions a cash gift of Sh100 million (approximately 3.4 million Kenya Shillings) each, reportedly as a token of appreciation for their “good behavior” and in response to financial struggles among some legislators.
According to the Daily Monitor, sources familiar with the transaction disclosed that MPs from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), independents, and opposition parties received the money on the evening of April 7.
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The NRM MPs reportedly collected their share from the Office of the Government Chief Whip at Parliament between 8 pm and 9 pm, while others reportedly received their funds from Speaker Anita Among’s Nakasero residence.
“The money was a gift from the president in appreciation for the MPs’ support and good conduct,” a source told Daily Monitor.
The same source also revealed that the payout came in response to repeated requests for financial assistance by struggling MPs.
When approached for comment, Deputy Presidential Press Secretary Faruk Kirunda neither confirmed nor denied the development, directing inquiries to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus instead. Parliament’s administration, for its part, distanced itself from the alleged cash handout.
“I am not aware of anything like that, you are breaking news to me. There are clear channels on how MPs receive their money, and besides that, we don’t know anything,” Assistant Director of the CPA at Parliament Grace Gidudu said.
Formal procedures
Daily Monitor also said that the Communications Officer at the Speaker’s Office, Joseph Sabiti, similarly denied knowledge of the transaction, emphasising that Parliament follows formal procedures in disbursing funds to MPs.
The development comes at a politically sensitive time, following Cabinet’s approval of the controversial UPDF Amendment Act, which is expected to face significant opposition, particularly from MPs aligned with opposition parties.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP) Joel Ssenyonyi confirmed his awareness of the reported cash gifts and warned of potential disciplinary action against National Unity Platform (NUP) members who may have accepted the funds.
“We have been hearing about this move by the government to award MPs, especially from NRM and some opposition, to thank them for passing the controversial Coffee Bill and to prepare grounds for the upcoming coffee amendment,” Ssenyonyi said.
The alleged cash giveaway raises concerns about transparency and the potential influence of state resources in parliamentary decision-making and political maneuvering.
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