By Aggrey Baba
In Uganda’s politics, the journey from honor to hardship can be as swift as the blink of an eye. One day, a Member of Parliament enjoys the title of “Honorable,” the next, they are struggling to afford medical care.
It is this harsh reality that has driven former MPs to demand inclusion in a medical insurance scheme, arguing that life after Parliament is often full of financial struggles.
During the 13th annual general meeting of the Parliamentary Pension Scheme (PPS) at Parliament, State Minister for Finance (General Duties) Henry Musasizi admitted that he constantly receives distress calls from former legislators begging for financial help, especially for medical treatment.
Many MPs, Musasizi revealed, find themselves in desperate situations once they leave Parliament, with some unable to afford hospital bills. He assured them that their concerns had been noted and that the government would consider their request.
For some, losing a parliamentary seat is more than just a political defeat, but a personal crisis. According to this week’s weekend vision, the late Onapito Ekomoloit, a former presidential press secretary, once described it as a painful transition. “Losing a seat can be so traumatic that if you are not careful, you can die from depression,” he said.
The story of former Moyo East MP Piro Santos Eruaga is a perfect example. Once a proud owner of a bus company, his livelihood was shattered when the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) destroyed his vehicles during the insurgency. Decades later, he is still fighting for compensation while struggling to make ends meet.
MPs who have left the House say the biggest shock is the sudden loss of a steady salary. Many are left scrambling for survival, and those who don’t prepare in time find themselves in financial distress.
Alice Alaso, a former Serere District Woman MP, warned current MPs to start planning early. “You will never know you are about to exit Parliament until the returning officer announces the final results. Then, your world turns upside down,” she said.
Currently, MPs contribute 2% of their basic salary towards a medical insurance scheme, but this only covers them while they are still in office. The proposal on the table seeks to extend this coverage to their retirement years. Former MPs argue that a small deduction during their service would save them from financial ruin when they leave politics.
James Kakooza, a former health minister and current East African Legislative Assembly representative, believes the contribution should be increased. “Medical bills are the biggest burden in retirement. The government should also contribute to this scheme to ensure former MPs receive proper healthcare,” he said.
The issue of medical insurance for retired MPs was part of the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2022. President Museveni initially declined to sign the bill due to financial concerns but later approved it after modifications were made. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
