Parliament Asking For Extra Shs125Bn For The Payment Of Salaries, Travels , Per Diem.

The Parliament of Uganda has asked for extra, over Shs125Bn for the payment of salaries, travel costs and per diem for; Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Leader of Opposition and Members of Parliament to enable them attend all the local and international events they are invited to.

Parliament also needs More funds for payments of legislators to conduct oversight activities within Committees. 

The details were contained in the report for the 2024/25 ministerial policy statement for the Parliamentary Commission that indicated that the Ministry of Finance had lived true to its threats to cut Parliament’s budget, reducing by Shs78.698Bn, a decision that has been rejected with calls to have the Ministry of Finance restore Parliament’s budget to the current operating level in order not to stifle the institution’s operations.

Parliament also hinged on Article 79 of the Constitution which gives powers to Parliament to carry oversight, legislation, and representation functions to demand extra Shs82.272Bn meant to fulfill the mandate.

“This if not addressed, will impede timely and responsive oversight, legislation, and representation function. The Committee therefore recommends an additional amount of Shs82.272Bn to cater for the recurrent shortfall,” read in part the report from Legal and Parliamentary Affairs presented by Hon.Robina Gureme Rwakoojo the Chairperson.

It should be noted that, on monday January 16 2023, President Yoweri Museveni placed a blanket ban on travel abroad by members of Parliament and civil servants to save money for other priority sectors.