MPs reject UGX 145billion budget cut, demand even more funding for Parliament
Instead, they are demanding not only full restoration of the budget but also an increase to support their legislative and oversight roles.
Lawmakers on the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee have strongly opposed the Ministry of Finance’s proposal to slash Parliament’s budget by UGX 145 billion for the 2025/26 financial year.
Instead, they are demanding not only full restoration of the budget but also an increase to support their legislative and oversight roles.
According to the 2025/26 National Budget Framework Paper, Parliament’s budget is set to drop from UGX 978.57 billion in 2024/25 to UGX 833.495 billion. In a report presented to Parliament, the committee warned that the budget reduction would severely hinder the institution’s operations.
“The Committee noted that the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the Parliamentary Commission in FY 2025/26 was UGX 145 billion less than the approved budget for FY 2024/25. This reduction should be rectified by uplifting the MTEF,” the report stated, recommending that the full amount be reinstated.
Rather than accepting the cut, MPs are pushing for an additional UGX 100.401 billion to facilitate Parliament’s core functions, arguing that failure to secure the funds would weaken legislative oversight and representation.
“Article 79 of the Constitution mandates Parliament to carry out oversight, legislation, and representation functions. The Parliamentary Commission projects a budget shortfall of UGX 100.401 billion for these functions. If not addressed, this will impede timely and responsive oversight, legislation, and representation,” the report further stated.
Additionally, the Parliamentary Commission has requested UGX 78.694 billion to cover critical infrastructure and operational needs, including:
- UGX 27.946 billion for the ongoing construction of the new Parliamentary Chamber.
- UGX 10 billion for the architectural design of a new office block.
- UGX 25.8 billion for acquiring vehicles for political offices and oversight activities.
- UGX 10.769 billion for office equipment procurement.
Lawmakers also urged the Ministry of Finance to allocate UGX 12.12 billion for upgrading ICT infrastructure, including the implementation of an e-Parliament system to enhance efficiency.
The push for more funds comes amid rising public scrutiny over Parliament’s spending. In recent months, allegations of corruption, bribery, and nepotism have cast a shadow over the institution, with critics questioning how taxpayer money is allocated.
Last year, Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo led a motion seeking the removal of four Parliamentary Commissioners over the controversial UGX 1.7 billion service awards they awarded themselves.
The scandal sparked protests, with young Ugandans demanding Speaker Anita Among’s resignation. However, she dismissed the demonstrations as politically motivated, linking them to Parliament’s passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023.
Despite public criticism, lawmakers remain firm in their demand for increased funding, arguing that a well-resourced Parliament is essential for effective governance.
