Kampala, Uganda: The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has confirmed the release of Shs168 billion to facilitate the purchase of official vehicles for Members of Parliament, ending months of uncertainty over the funding.
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi announced that the funds have been earmarked for 555 Members of Parliament, including ex-officio members, and will be disbursed in the government’s first release for the current financial quarter.
The announcement was made while the Minister addressed Members of the 12th Parliament undergoing induction and orientation at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where Government Chief Whip Dr. Ruth Aceng sought clarification on the delayed release of the funds.
Musasizi assured legislators that all the necessary processes had been completed and that the allocation would be released in July.
“The money for the vehicles to facilitate MPs to move back to their constituencies will be released in the first batch of this quarter, which is in July. I have already instructed my team to ensure that this is provided for in the first batch of the release amounting to over Shs168 billion for 555 Members of Parliament, including ex-officials,” Musasizi said.
His announcement was met with applause from legislators attending the induction programme.
The vehicle allocation follows Parliament’s decision to increase the vehicle facilitation package from Shs200 million to Shs315 million per legislator in the 2026/27 Financial Year.
The funding sparked public debate during the budget approval process after Parliament requested an additional Shs166.8 billion to facilitate the procurement of vehicles for MPs.
The request was defended by the then Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Budget Committee, Remigio Achia, who argued that legislators require reliable transport to effectively undertake constituency work, oversight responsibilities and public engagement.
According to Achia, providing standardised vehicles would improve mobility, enhance service delivery and reduce operational inefficiencies in the execution of parliamentary duties.
While addressing the legislators, Musasizi also reminded Members of Parliament of their constitutional responsibility to ensure prudent management of public resources.
“Members of Parliament should scrutinise whether proposed spending matches sector needs and National Development Plan goals, review budget performance reports, consider audit reports, and monitor how budgeted funds are used in their constituencies,” he said.
The Finance Minister also highlighted Parliament’s broader role in the national budget process, including approving the National Budget Framework Paper, scrutinising ministerial policy statements, appropriating public funds and enacting tax legislation.
During the induction, Presidential Adviser Moses Byaruhanga urged legislators to strengthen oversight of government programmes, monitor project implementation and ensure that public resources translate into improved service delivery.
The orientation programme for the 12th Parliament continues with sessions focusing on the national budgeting process, Uganda Vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Parliament’s oversight role in advancing national development.
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