Museveni Promises Shs 100 Million Payout to NRM MPs in Kyankwanzi

President Yoweri Museveni has ignited a fresh wave of debate over the monetization of Ugandan politics after promising a Shs 100 million “facilitation” package to each of the 400+ NRM Members of Parliament attending the Kyankwanzi retreat.

The announcement, made as the nine-day retreat concluded, includes an immediate cash handout of Shs 20 million, with the President promising that the Shs 80 million balance will be cleared at a later date.

“I Will Start With 20 Million”

Speaking in Acholi to the legislators, the President stated, “Achako million pyere liyo” (I will start with Shs 20 million), before detailing the full Shs 100 million commitment. NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong clarified that the initial installment would be processed immediately to assist the 12th Parliament electees as they prepare for their swearing-in ceremonies scheduled for mid-May 2026.

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The total cost of the payout is estimated to exceed Shs 40 billion. However, the specific source of these funds remains a mystery. While the Presidency holds a donation budget of approximately Shs 163 billion, NRM Spokesperson Emmanuel Dombo suggested the funds could come from either the President’s personal pocket or the party’s quarterly Secretariat releases.

In a move described by critics as contradictory, the President issued the promise shortly after a stern warning to the MPs about the dangers of corruption.

“If the overseers are also sick, who will oversee you?” Museveni asked, urging the MPs to avoid moneylenders and high-interest bank loans that could compromise their legislative independence.

The payout has drawn sharp criticism from economists, civil society, and the Opposition.

• Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of the Opposition: Questioned how the public can expect MPs to objectively scrutinize laws after receiving such massive sums from the Executive.

• Marlon Agaba (ACCU): Linked the handout to the “high cost of politics,” noting that many MPs are drowning in debt after spending upwards of Shs 1 billion on their election campaigns.

• CSBAG: Warned that if the funds are drawn from the Consolidated Fund to benefit a single political party, it would represent a significant legal and ethical breach.

A Pattern of “Facilitation”

History shows this is not an isolated incident. Analysts point to the 2005 Shs 5 million payout for term limits and the 2017 Shs 29 million “consultation” fee for the age limit debate as precedents that have slowly eroded the institutional integrity of Parliament.

While Parliament’s Director of Communication, Chris Obore, dismissed the criticism—arguing that financial facilitation does not equate to a compromised debate—anti-corruption advocates insist that the persistent use of cash to “grease the wheels” of the ruling party’s agenda remains a threat to Uganda’s democracy.