By Aggrey Baba
President Yoweri Museveni’s decision to give over 400 MPs UGX 100 million each yesterday as the NRM Kyankwanzi retreat closed, has shifted debate from the payout itself to the reason behind it, with Opposition leaders accusing the yellow buss driver of using money to secure political influence over the 12th Parliament.
He reportedly announced that each MP would first receive UGX 20 million in cash, with the remaining UGX 80 million to be paid later.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong explained the money is meant to support the MPs as they prepare for swearing-in and the start of parliamentary work in the 12th Parliament.
But the Opposition says the timing and scale of the payout point to a deeper political motive beyond facilitation.
The Leader of Opposition in Parliament (Lop), Joel Ssenyonyi, said the handout risks compromising Parliament’s independence at a time when MPs are expected to exercise oversight over government decisions and public spending, saying that it is not the first time the President has given MPs money.
“How do you expect them to objectively scrutinise laws after receiving such funds?” Ssenyonyi asked.
More sharply, NUP SG David Lewis Rubongoya argued that the money reflects a broader pattern of using state-linked resources to influence political behaviour, especially in a highly monetised political system.
In a post on X, Rubongoya said the estimated UGX 40 billion payout raises serious questions about public finance discipline and priorities in a country facing economic pressure.
“Shs40 billion squeezed out of a struggling, poverty-stricken, heavily indebted population and gifted to NRM MPs. All known public finance procedures thrown outside the window,” the former Kampala central MP aspirant wrote.
He also questioned the contradiction of the President warning MPs against corruption during the same retreat where the cash was distributed, saying it sends mixed messages on accountability.
“Did I hear Museveni tell those MPs not to be corrupt? Only to crown the retreat with a grand corruption scandal!” the NUP SG added.
On the government side, officials defended the payout as part of normal facilitation for MPs attending the retreat and preparing for parliamentary duties. NRM SG Todwong said the arrangement was explained to legislators and is meant to support their transition into office.
However, Parliament’s Director of Communication and Corporate Affairs, Chris Obore, dismissed concerns that the money could influence legislative independence, arguing that MPs routinely receive facilitation without compromising their work.
“If money influenced debate, then all MPs, including those in Opposition, would not participate after receiving facilitation such as vehicle funds and other emoluments,” he said.
He added that NRM MPs are elected on a party mandate and are expected to support its agenda in Parliament.(For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
