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With a budget of Shs945.5 billion for the current fiscal year, Parliament’s expenditure averages Shs79 billion monthly, translating to Shs18.2 billion weekly or Shs2.6 billion daily, equivalent to approximately Shs108 million per hour.
Uganda’s Parliament, comprising 529 elected members and 577 technical staff, has been the subject of scrutiny regarding its financial management. Analysis reveals that, on average, the Parliament spends approximately Shs2.6 billion daily, according to a detailed examination of its budget for the current and previous fiscal years.
The budget estimates for the 2023/2024 financial year, as disclosed by the Parliamentary Commission, indicate a significant increase in allocations compared to the previous year, amounting to an additional Shs30.6 billion.
Responsibilities for the administration of the Legislature and the welfare of its members and employees fall under the purview of the Parliamentary Commission. This entity oversees various functions including staffing decisions, determining terms of service, and managing financial allocations.
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The draft budget details highlight notable changes in allocations to key offices within Parliament. The allocations for the Speaker of Parliament and Deputy Speaker have increased by Shs5 billion and Shs4 billion, respectively. In contrast, the allocation for the Leader of Opposition (LoP) has decreased by Shs800 million.
In the preceding financial year, the budget allocation for the Speaker’s Office was Shs8.2 billion, while that for the Deputy Speaker’s Office stood at Shs7.4 billion. Conversely, the allocation for the LoP’s office was Shs4.4 billion. Additionally, funds allocated to the Office of the Leader of Government Business decreased by Shs1 billion to Shs2.9 billion.
With a budget of Shs945.5 billion for the current fiscal year, Parliament’s expenditure averages Shs79 billion monthly, translating to Shs18.2 billion weekly or Shs2.6 billion daily, equivalent to approximately Shs108 million per hour.
The approval of the national budget by Parliament in May 2023 raised questions about the transparency of its financial allocations, prompting scrutiny from various quarters. Recent disclosures regarding confidential expenses on social media platforms have intensified this scrutiny.
Agora Discourse, a platform advocating for public accountability, has played a significant role in shedding light on parliamentary expenditure. Led by Ms. Agather Atuhaire, the platform has revealed questionable spending practices within Parliament, sparking public debate and demands for accountability.
One particular revelation involves the disbursement of parliamentary funds through personal bank accounts of select staff members, reminiscent of past financial scandals in government offices.
Despite these revelations, Parliament’s spokesperson, Chris Obore, has defended the allocation and disbursement processes, attributing discrepancies to exaggerated figures and emphasizing the broader context of parliamentary activities.
However, concerns persist regarding the authenticity of expenditure documents and the accountability of parliamentary staff. The need for independent verification of financial records remains paramount.
A breakdown of the budget reveals significant allocations to various departments and functions within Parliament. Notably, expenditures on salaries, social contributions, general goods and services, communication, utilities, and property maintenance reflect the diverse operational needs of the institution.
Mr. Obore emphasized that budgetary allocations are subject to change based on evolving needs and priorities. He cited past instances where expenditure patterns shifted in response to specific activities or initiatives.
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