Ugandans Angry Over Reports of MPs Receiving Shs100 Million Each

Many Ugandans are upset after hearing that some Members of Parliament (MPs) were given Shs100 million each, reportedly as a reward from President Museveni. The money was said to be a gift for supporting certain controversial laws.

According to reports that spread on April 8, the MPs—mostly from the ruling NRM party—picked up the money at Parliament, specifically from the Office of the Government Chief Whip. It’s said this happened between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on April 7.

People online quickly reacted with anger. Some even said Parliament should be shut down.

One Ugandan named Ronald Kusa said, “That money could build over 50 top hospitals across the country. Instead, it will add more pressure to the Ministry of Finance, which is already struggling with debt.”

Others shared similar feelings. Fahad Hamza wrote, “Our roads are bad, hospitals lack medicine, and teachers are underpaid, but MPs are getting millions? Uganda Olemwa!”Josh Jeje added, “They gave MPs that much money, but Mulago Hospital only has 15 ICU beds. This is a big failure by the government.”

Another citizen, who goes by “Tired Muzukulu,” didn’t hold back: “This isn’t the first time. Parliament is full of corruption. It should be banned. Uganda would be better without these looters.”

A woman named Chemutayi said, “Uganda borrows money all the time, so we cannot afford this kind of careless spending. It’s shameful.”

Opposition Speaks Out

Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition, also shared his views. Though he is currently out of the country, he said, “We’ve heard that MPs—especially from NRM and a few opposition ones—are receiving Shs100 million each. This is supposedly for passing the Coffee Bill and preparing for changes to the UPDF Act, which aims to keep civilians under military court trials. This is wrong. Uganda needs a complete restart.”

Parliament Responds

Meanwhile, Parliament posted on social media to deny the claims. Their message said, “We are aware of the social media reports. Parliament only makes official payments to MPs through the Clerk, and those payments appear on their payslips. No such Shs100 million payments have been processed.”

Still, the public remains angry, especially since the country faces many problems like poor healthcare, low wages, and increasing debt.