Politics 30 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Battle Erupts Over Shs2 Billion Parliament Food Contract Amidst Bribery Allegations
Eleven companies are vying for a Shs2 billion contract to provide restaurant services at Uganda's Parliament, but the bidding process is marred by accusations of bribery and undue influence from powerful figures. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/inside-battle-over-shs2b-food-deal-at-parliament-5576950
A fierce competition is underway for the lucrative Shs2 billion contract to supply restaurant services at the Ugandan Parliament, with eleven firms submitting bids. The bids, lodged between July 7 and July 28, ranged from Shs1 billion to Shs12 billion, though most fell between Shs1.3 billion and Shs2 billion.
While the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, assures that an independent Evaluation Committee is diligently assessing the applications, whispers of external interference are circulating among some bidders. Concerns have been raised about a shadowy figure allegedly attempting to bribe committee members to favor a specific company.
“There is an individual who is using money to bribe members of the Contracts Committee to approve a certain company where he has influence,” one disgruntled bidder revealed, suggesting a particular firm is being unfairly promoted. Mwesige, however, maintains the integrity of the process, stating that the committee’s independence prevents political influence and welcoming any formal complaints.
This current dispute echoes a similar controversy in 2020 over a Shs1 billion food deal, which led to protracted legal battles and the temporary closure of the Parliament canteen. That incident involved accusations of bribery and procedural breaches, ultimately seeing Hellenar’s Restaurant petitioning the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA).
Despite assurances of transparency, the timeline for completing the current bidding process remains unclear. The past legal entanglements and allegations of impropriety cast a shadow over the current procurement, raising questions about whether Parliament can avoid another lengthy dispute.
The previous contract saw a significant price hike for meals in the parliamentary canteen, with a plate of food increasing from Shs13,000 to Shs20,000, prompting complaints from some legislators. This, coupled with past procurement controversies, highlights the sensitive nature of managing contracts within the legislative body.