President Yoweri Museveni has confirmed that each Member of Parliament (MP) received Shs100 million, saying the money was for important National duties aimed at protecting Uganda’s interests.
In a public letter titled released on April 11, Museveni responded to growing public anger over the payments. He said the funds were part of confidential government efforts to deal with external threats and keep the country stable.
The Daily Monitor first reported the payouts on April 8, saying they were made on April 7 to MPs from the ruling NRM party, some independents, and even a few opposition members.
Reports suggest the money was given through the Office of the Government Chief Whip and at the home of Speaker Anita Among in Nakasero. The payments were said to be both a thank-you for loyalty and a way to help MPs financially.
The public has strongly criticized the move, especially as many Ugandans struggle with high living costs, poor healthcare, and bad roads. Opposition MPs, led by Butambala’s Muwanga Kivumbi, condemned the payments, calling them wasteful. Museveni hit back, accusing them of hypocrisy and ignoring foreign funds received by NGOs and advocacy groups.
Some of Museveni’s supporters believe the funds are necessary to keep MPs loyal in a region facing instability. But critics say it's a misuse of public money, especially as Uganda faces rising debt. The total cost of the payments was over Shs50 billion for 529 MPs, further damaging public trust in government.