A storm of controversy is brewing in Uganda’s political circles following reports that a section of Members of Parliament (MPs) received cash handouts allegedly amounting to Shs100 million each—purportedly as a gesture of appreciation from President Museveni.
Multiple sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, claim the money was distributed to legislators across political lines, including those from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), independents, and some opposition parties. The funds were allegedly handed out on the evening of April 7 at two separate locations—Parliament’s Office of the Government Chief Whip and the private residence of Speaker Anita Among in Nakasero.
The alleged purpose of the money, according to insiders familiar with the matter, was to reward MPs for their “good conduct” and to provide financial relief to legislators who had reportedly pleaded for support.
However, the transaction—if confirmed—raises serious concerns about the use of public funds, the integrity of legislative processes, and the influence of financial incentives on parliamentary conduct.
Contacted for a response, Deputy Presidential Press Secretary Faruk Kirunda neither confirmed nor denied the claims, instead referring inquiries to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus. Parliament’s administration has also denied involvement or knowledge of any such payout.
“I am not aware of anything like that, you are breaking news to me,” said Ms Grace Gidudu, Assistant Director in the Parliamentary Corporate and Public Affairs department. “There are clear channels through which MPs receive money, and this is not one of them.”
Further distancing Parliament from the reports, Joseph Sabiti, Communications Officer in the Speaker’s Office, reiterated that all financial disbursements to MPs must follow formal procedures. “We don’t handle funds outside the laid-down processes. Anything else would be irregular,” he said.
Insiders, however, say the alleged cash disbursement follows sustained lobbying by some MPs facing financial difficulties. According to the sources, the request for support was made directly to the president, who reportedly responded positively.
The timing of the alleged handout has also drawn scrutiny, coming soon after Cabinet passed the controversial UPDF Amendment Act, which is widely expected to stir political backlash. The Act, among other provisions, expands the military’s role in internal affairs—an issue that opposition MPs have already vowed to resist.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, said he was aware of reports of the payout and cautioned MPs in his National Unity Platform (NUP) party against accepting such funds.
“We have been hearing about this move by government to reward MPs, especially from NRM and some in the opposition, for passing contentious legislation like the Coffee Bill, and in preparation for the upcoming Coffee Amendment,” Mr Ssenyonyi said. “If any of our members took that money, we shall take disciplinary action.”
The National Unity Platform has, in recent months, positioned itself as a vocal critic of what it sees as creeping executive overreach and political patronage, warning against the erosion of Parliament’s independence.
Civil society actors have also expressed concern that if such transactions are confirmed, they could undermine public trust in democratic institutions and reinforce a culture of transactional politics.
“This kind of alleged cash distribution blurs the line between public service and personal reward,” said a senior political analyst who asked not to be named. “If true, it speaks to deeper problems in the relationship between the executive and legislature.”
As questions swirl, calls are growing for greater transparency in the handling of public finances and for a more robust oversight framework within Parliament itself. Uganda’s Constitution prohibits the misuse of public funds and mandates Parliament to act independently in the interest of citizens.
At the time of publication, no official statement had been issued by the Office of the Government Chief Whip or the Office of the President regarding the alleged disbursements.