A storm of controversy has erupted in Uganda after reports emerged that President Yoweri Museveni gifted Members of Parliament (MPs) UGX 100 million (Ksh. 3 million) each as a token of appreciation for their “good behavior.” The alleged cash handouts, distributed discreetly on April 7, have raised serious concerns about transparency, political influence, and the misuse of state resources.
According to sources cited by Uganda’s Daily Monitor, the payments were made through the Office of the Government Chief Whip and the residence of Speaker Anita Among. While the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs reportedly collected the money in Parliament, opposition and independent legislators were also said to be among the beneficiaries. The funds were allegedly requested by financially struggling MPs, prompting Museveni’s intervention.
However, government officials have remained evasive. Deputy Presidential Press Secretary Faruk Kirunda neither confirmed nor denied the payments, redirecting inquiries to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus. Meanwhile, Parliament’s administration distanced itself from the transaction, with Assistant Director Grace Gidudu stating she was unaware of any such disbursements.
The timing of the payments has intensified suspicions. The alleged handouts come shortly after Cabinet approved the contentious UPDF Amendment Act, a move expected to face opposition resistance. Critics, including Opposition Leader Joel Ssenyonyi, accuse the government of bribing MPs to secure support for controversial legislation, including the recently passed Coffee Bill.
Ssenyonyi warned that members of his National Unity Platform (NUP) party who accepted the money would face disciplinary action. “This is a clear attempt to manipulate Parliament,” he stated.
The controversy has reignited debates about accountability and political patronage in Uganda. Civil society groups and transparency advocates have condemned the alleged payments, demanding investigations into the source of the funds and their intended purpose. With public trust in Parliament already fragile, this latest scandal threatens to deepen perceptions of corruption and executive overreach in Uganda’s governance.
As pressure mounts, the Museveni administration faces tough questions—will it address these allegations, or will the silence fuel further distrust among citizens?
