Politics 1 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Parliament Expansion: Stalled Project or Costly White Elephant?
Uganda's Parliament expansion project, started in 2017 to accommodate a ballooning number of lawmakers from 88 in 1960 to 556 today, remains only 44.9% complete amid contractor woes and massive rental expenses. Critics question the Shs206 billion investment as heavy machinery falls silent and taxpayers foot billions in private office rents. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/expansion-of-parliament-another-white-elephant--5443550
The original Parliament chamber, built in 1960 by British firm Peatfield & Bodgener for just 88 members, has long outgrown its capacity. Lawmaker numbers exploded to 459 in the 10th Parliament and now stand at 556 in the 11th, including constituency reps, women, UPDF, youth, elderly, and others.
Launched in 2017 by Roko Construction with an initial Shs179 billion budget, plans were revised in 2019 to seat 600, hiking costs to Shs206 billion. Former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga noted the rapid growth necessitated underground adjustments.
Yet progress stalls at 44.9% as of September 2024, far behind the 2020 target. Current Speaker Anita Among revealed only two offices and committee rooms completed, prompting outcry during the FY 2026/2027 budget debate.
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi slammed the delays, highlighting billions spent on private rentals like Shs9.8 billion yearly at Kingdom Kampala for 9,030 sqm and parking. Earlier deals included Shs4.5 billion at Queen’s Chambers.
Roko faces termination threats over unpaid suppliers, despite a Shs208 billion government bailout via shares in 2022 and direct payments to material providers post-2021 bomb blasts requiring blast-resistant glass. Shadow Finance Minister Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda criticized ongoing rescues, including Shs32.2 billion in the new budget.
The project includes a 28-storey tower, multi-level parking by Seyani Brothers (completed 2013), and extra floors added by 2014. Parliament’s strategic plan urges haste, citing only 12 committee rooms for 29 committees hampering oversight.
Observers like Ssenyonyi demand updates, while ex-officials like Peter Ogwang call for revisiting original designs amid fears of a ‘white elephant.’
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)