Don’t cut parliament’s budget, legislators warn Finance Ministry
The proposed budget cut is outlined in the 2025/26 National Budget Framework Paper, which indicates that Parliament’s budget will drop from Shs 978.57 billion in financial year [FY] 2024/25 to Shs 833.495 billion
KAMPALA, February 5, 2025 –– The Members of Parliament [MPs] on the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee have protested the Ministry of Finance’s decision to slash Parliament’s budget by Shs 145 billion for the next financial year, demanding full restoration to the current allocation.
The proposed budget cut is outlined in the 2025/26 National Budget Framework Paper, which indicates that Parliament’s budget will drop from Shs 978.57 billion in financial year [FY] 2024/25 to Shs 833.495 billion.
In their report, the committee expressed concerns over the reduction, arguing that it would hinder Parliament’s operations.
“The Committee noted that the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework [MTEF] for the Parliamentary Commission in FY 2025/26, as per the first Budget Call Circular [BCC], was Shs 145 billion less than the approved budget for FY 2024/25. This reduction should be rectified by uplifting the MTEF. The Committee recommends that Shs 145 billion be provided to restore the Parliamentary Commission’s budget to the current operating level,” the report stated.
MPs Demand More Funding
Instead of reducing Parliament’s budget, MPs are pushing for an additional Shs 100.401 billion to support their legislative, oversight, and representation functions, warning that failure to allocate these funds would impede their work.
“Article 79 of the Constitution mandates Parliament to carry out oversight, legislation, and representation functions. The Parliamentary Commission projects a budgetary shortfall of Shs 100.401 billion for these functions. If not addressed, this will impede timely and responsive oversight, legislation, and representation,” the report further stated.
Additionally, the Parliamentary Commission is seeking Shs 78.694 billion for various infrastructure and operational needs, including:
Shs 27.946 billion – Ongoing construction of the new Parliamentary Chamber.
Shs 10 billion – Architectural design for a new office block on Parliamentary Avenue.
Shs 25.8 billion – Acquisition of light vehicles for political offices and 28-seater vans for committee oversight activities.
Shs 10.769 billion – Office equipment procurement.
“The Committee recommends that the Parliamentary Commission be allocated Shs 78.694 billion in FY 2025/26 to address the development budget shortfall,” the Budget Committee report read in part.
Furthermore, Parliament is requesting an additional Shs 12.12 billion for ICT infrastructure, including the implementation of the planned e-Parliament Project.
Budget controversies
The request for increased funding comes amid growing public criticism of Parliament over allegations of corruption, bribery, and nepotism in the recruitment and procurement processes.
Last year, these concerns prompted Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo and other lawmakers to file a motion seeking the removal of four Parliamentary Commissioners over the controversial Shs 1.7 billion service awards they allocated to themselves.
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