MPs Question Shs15 Million Shortfall in Car Grant Payments

Legislators in Uganda have expressed surprise and concern over the recent car grant payments, which they allege are short of the expected amount. The Parliamentary Commission had reportedly budgeted Shs315 million for each Member of Parliament to facilitate the purchase of vehicles for official duties. However, upon receiving the funds directly into their accounts on Thursday, many MPs discovered they had only been credited with Shs300 million.

This discrepancy immediately sparked a lively discussion among MPs on their internal communication platforms. Several lawmakers have reportedly reached out to the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesigwa, demanding clarification on the missing Shs15 million per legislator. Questions have been raised about the budget’s approved figure and why the full amount was not disbursed.

One MP, speaking anonymously, questioned the deviation from the Commission’s resolution, asking, “Where is the balance of Shs15 million per MP?” Another called for transparency, stating, “Hon. Clerk, can you clarify to us why we have been shortchanged by Shs15 million? The budget clearly provided for Shs315 million. This is taxpayers’ money and we need transparency.”

If the Shs315 million allocation was indeed approved, the total difference across the 400+ members of Parliament could amount to over Shs8.2 billion. The car grant is crucial for MPs to acquire vehicles necessary for their constituency work and other governmental responsibilities. As of Thursday evening, there had been no public statement from Parliament explaining the variance between the reported budget and the disbursed amounts.

This development occurs at a time when the public cost of parliamentary car grants is under renewed scrutiny, with critics questioning resource allocation priorities in light of pressing needs in sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. MPs are now awaiting a formal explanation from the Parliamentary Commission and the Clerk’s office regarding the whereabouts of the alleged Shs15 million shortfall per MP.

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