Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni yesterday shocked Ugandans when he declared himself a “modern-day king” who is the only one constitutionally permitted to distribute cash to citizens, warning MPs and politicians against imitating him by bribing voters with personal donations.
While delivering his remarks at the 2025/2026 National Budget reading at Kololo Independence Grounds on Thursday, June 12, the President said his khaki envelope handouts are legally backed by the national budget, unlike MPs who try to mimic his outreach style through personal financial pledges.
“I have heard that some of you give bribes to voters because I give khaki envelopes,” Museveni said. “I don’t sell my cows to generate money for khaki envelopes. Stop trying to be like kings. Only traditional kings were allowed to make such donations. I give because I’m a modern-day king. It’s provided for in the budget.”
The President further criticized MPs who have burdened themselves with unsustainable political giving, saying many are now “internally displaced persons” in their own constituencies due to the financial pressures they created.
“When MPs start making such donations, they carry a big burden. It’s extortion,” Museveni said. “But MPs are to blame because they created the impression that they had such money.”
He warned the electorate to reject “money politics” and emphasized that choosing leaders based on cash giveaways erodes their democratic power.
“Voters need to know that this practice of fundraising and bribes is undermining your power,” he added. “You are overthrowing your power by voting for people simply because they gave you money.”
The President also challenged religious leaders to confront politicians who make exaggerated pledges during church events. “Church leaders should question such people who throw around money. Ask them where they get it. You are like their parents. If you see your child doing such things, you question them,” Museveni urged.
In the 2025/26 Budget, the presidency is allocated nearly Shs140 billion for community outreach and related donations, while the Office of his Vice, Rtd Maj Jessica Alupo, received more than Shs700 million for similar engagements.
In a separate rebuke, Museveni aimed dig at the Resident District Commissioners and local government officials of failing to monitor public works, particularly feeder roads. “If the money we are giving you is not enough, tell us. But maintain the present roads. This is a must, and I will check, and there will be casualties at the local government level,” he warned.
President Museveni concluded by reaffirming that Uganda has graduated from the category of Least Developed Countries. “We are now a lower-middle-income country,” he said.
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