In a bid to alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers, former Leader of Opposition and current Nyendo Mukungwe County MP, Mathias Mpuuga, is finalizing proposed amendments to the Constitution that would reduce the size of Uganda’s Parliament from 559 members to 360. This initiative aims to address growing concerns over the inflated costs associated with maintaining a large legislative body.
Parliament has faced significant criticism for its size and the financial strain it imposes on the nation. Currently, the remuneration of MPs amounts to billions of shillings, with each member earning an average of at least $10,000 per month. This figure starkly contrasts with the salaries of other civil servants, such as primary school teachers, who take home just $150, and senior doctors, who earn approximately $800.
Frank Tumwebze, the MP for Kibale County in Kamwenge District, has expressed support for Mpuuga’s proposal. He suggests an amendment to further streamline Parliament, advocating for two MPs per district. “I will support and second this but with an amendment. Even with 360, Parliament is still big. Two MPs per district will do the job,” Tumwebze stated. Additionally, he emphasized the need for a fair and equitable approach to public salaries: “We should have an independent national salary review commission/board to handle all public employees’ salaries in a fair and just manner.”
Mpuuga’s push for this pro-people bill comes amid attempts to rehabilitate his political career, which has faced scrutiny following his involvement in the controversial 1.7 billion shillings service awards.
