KAMPALA.A section of legislators from the largest opposition party – National Unity Platform (NUP) has dismissed as baseless claims that party leaders coerced them to surrender part of their vehicle facilitation package.
They say the decision was voluntary and unanimously agreed upon during a party caucus meeting.
The controversy stems from a resolution requiring NUP legislators to contribute Shs15 million from their Shs315 million vehicle grant to support party activities.
The caucus also agreed that each legislator remits Shs1 million monthly in party subscriptions.
Speaking on behalf of NUP legislators, Opposition Chief Whip Paul Mwiru said the decision was reached through consensus and that no member was under obligation to contribute.
“The resolution to contribute Shs15 million from the car grant was discussed and agreed upon by all NUP legislators in a caucus meeting. There was no coercion. Any member who is not comfortable with the contribution is free not to contribute. It is voluntary,” Mwiru said.
NUP lawmakers argue that opposition politics comes with significant operational costs, including legal battles, mobilisation activities and party administration.
Hakim Kiiza , the Bukoto South MP said the monthly subscription was intended to help the party remain financially independent.
“Running an opposition party is expensive. From court cases to grassroots mobilization, we need resources. The Shs1 million monthly subscription ensures we remain independent and do not rely on handouts. It was a collective decision,” Kiiza said.
The disclosures have also shed light on party financing arrangements across the political divide.
Members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) confirmed that they too make monthly contributions to their party, although at a significantly lower rate of Shs150,000.
Mathew Bazanya said the money supports party structures, conferences and mobilisation activities.
“All political parties require members to contribute. For us in NRM, Shs150,000 per month is standard and goes into transparent party activities. That is normal in any democratic setup,” Bazanya said.
However, NRM legislators drew a distinction between regular party subscriptions and the use of the vehicle facilitation grant, arguing that Parliament approved the money specifically to enhance transport and constituency oversight.
One NRM MP, who requested anonymity, questioned the appropriateness of diverting part of the grant to party activities.
“The car grant is public money meant for service delivery in constituencies. Deducting Shs15 million from it to fund party activities is unethical and uncalled for. Even if they call it voluntary, it creates a bad precedent for the use of taxpayers’ money,” the legislator said.
NUP lawmakers have dismissed those concerns, maintaining that the funds become a legislator’s personal responsibility once disbursed.
Mwiru argued that members are entitled to spend their money as they choose after receiving it.
“Once the car money hits your account, it is your money. What you choose to do with it is a personal decision. Our colleagues who believe in strengthening the party have chosen to contribute. Nobody is being directed or forced,” he said.
The dispute has reignited debate over political party financing, transparency and accountability as the 12th Parliament begins its work.
Political analysts say the revelations have exposed the extent to which Uganda’s political parties rely on financial contributions from elected leaders, raising questions about disclosure, oversight and the management of party funds.