Uganda’s Parliament Seeks Over UGX 263 Billion for MP Benefits and Projects, UPDF Also Requests Extra Funds
In a series of substantial budget increase requests, Uganda’s Parliament is seeking an additional UGX 263.937 Billion for the 2026/27 financial year, primarily to benefit Members of Parliament, while the army is also asking for over UGX 112 Billion.
The parliamentary request was detailed by Remigio Achia, Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Budget Committee, during a plenary sitting. The largest portion, UGX 166.8 Billion, is intended to facilitate the purchase of vehicles for all 529 MPs of the 12th Parliament. Achia defended this request, stating that reliable vehicles are essential for MPs to travel extensively, engage constituents, monitor government programs, and effectively execute their legislative and oversight duties.
A further UGX 91.5 Billion is cited as a shortfall for retooling projects at Parliament. This includes ongoing works on the New Chamber and the planned architectural design for a new office block along Parliament Avenue, intended for land currently occupied by the Ministry of Lands and Uganda Prisons Services headquarters.
Additionally, Parliament approved a request for an extra UGX 5.636 Billion to cover increased medical insurance premiums for MPs. Achia explained that the scheme has seen significant cost hikes due to rising healthcare expenses, inflation, and greater use of specialized and overseas medical services. The funding will also cover insurance for lawmakers’ children, parents, and spouses. Achia warned that without the increase, the funding gap risks “undermining the adequacy and sustainability of health care coverage for MPs and their defendants.”
Other Government Requests
Separately, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is seeking an additional UGX 112.2 Billion for the purchase and provision of food. This is required to cater for both the current increase in personnel and the planned recruitment of an additional 10,000 soldiers.
Smaller but notable requests include:
· The Ministry of East African Affairs seeking UGX 1.2 Billion to sensitize Ugandans on the benefits of the East African Community (EAC).
· The same ministry requiring UGX 3.1 Billion for the purchase of cars and ICT equipment.
Budget Committee Recommendations
Alongside reviewing these requests, Parliament’s Budget Committee made several proposals. To diversify Uganda’s tourism sector, the committee has proposed a 5% levy on all tourism tickets purchased by international tourists.
Expressing concern over the national debt, the committee also urged the government to strictly borrow concessional loans to reduce the cost of debt servicing. This recommendation follows the Ministry of Finance’s proposal to spend UGX 12.73 Trillion on interest payments in the 2026/27 national budget.
These requests and recommendations were presented as part of the report on the 2026/27 National Budget Framework Paper, setting the stage for detailed budgetary discussions in the coming months.
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