Parliament hands Kadaga, former Speakers brand new cars
It should be noted that in 2022, Members of Parliament (MPs) passed the Parliamentary Pension (Amendment) Bill, which has provided for retirement benefits for former speakers and deputies from 1980.
The speaker of parliament Anita Among has today morning handed over Brand New SUV cars to former speakers of parliament, among who included Al Hajji Moses Kigongo, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, Rebecca Kadaga and Prof. Edward Rugumayo.
While handing over the vehicles, Speaker Anitah Among revealed that Parliament will be giving the former Speakers new cars every 5 years, and the cost of fuel, maintenance and salaries of the drivers of the vehicles, will be paid by Ugandan taxpayers.
“You will be required to bring your own driver, who we will recruit as Parliamentary staff, Parliament will pay that driver of yours. The car remains a property of the Government of Uganda. Parliament will maintain and fuel these cars. But Parliament will after every 5 years be giving you a new car. Or in between when the car gets a problem, you will bring it back and we will give you a new car. You are property of the Government of Uganda, so we are supposed to look after you,” said Among.
She noted that it is good to appreciate people when they are still alive. “You did a lot for this country and continuing to do a lot for this country. We do not want when you are no more, everybody is paying tribute and talking all the good things about you.”
Among said as the 11th parliament, they thought it wise to appreciate former speakers when they are still alive.
It should be noted that in 2022, Members of Parliament (MPs) passed the Parliamentary Pension (Amendment) Bill, which has provided for retirement benefits for former speakers and deputies from 1980.
The current Act, which commenced in 2007, had only provided retirement benefits to the speakers and deputies who assumed office with effect from 2007.
The Act states that where the Speaker or Deputy Speaker ceases to hold office by retirement, they are entitled to an allowance equivalent to 60% of the monthly salary of the sitting office holders respectively.
They are also entitled to one four-wheel chauffeur-driven car of between 3,500 and 4,000 cubic capacity, two security guards and two domestic staff.
They will also be entitled to medical care, including their spouse(s), and an allowance equivalent to 33 currency points (sh660,000) per month for utilities. Each currency point is equivalent to sh20,000.
When a former Speaker or deputy has died, Parliament resolved that the spouse or dependents would be entitled to a monthly allowance equivalent to 60% of the monthly salary of the incumbents.
This is in addition to other allowances to cater for transport, health and security as may be determined by the Parliamentary Commission.
