Parliament is requesting an additional Shs 263.937 billion to purchase vehicles for 529 Members of the 12th Parliament, Daily Star has learned.
This request was made by Remigio Achia, Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Budget Committee, during his presentation on the 2026/27 National Budget Framework Paper.
According to Achia, the vehicles are intended to ensure the effective, efficient, and timely execution of the MPs’ legislative, oversight, and representative functions.
“Members of Parliament are required to travel extensively across constituencies and the country to engage with constituents, monitor government programs, and participate in parliamentary activities,” he said.
“Providing reliable and standardized vehicles will enhance their mobility, improve service delivery, and reduce operational inefficiencies. The additional funding of Shs 166.8 billion is necessary to facilitate the purchase of vehicles for the MPs,” he added.
In the same plenary sitting, legislators also approved a request for an increase in the medical insurance premium for MPs. Achia noted that the medical insurance scheme for MPs has seen a significant rise in premiums due to increasing healthcare costs, inflation, and the higher utilization of specialized and overseas medical services.
The funds will also cover the cost of renting extra office space and insurance for MPs’ children, parents, and spouses.
“These increases have outpaced the originally approved budget allocations, creating a funding gap that risks undermining the adequacy and sustainability of healthcare coverage for MPs and their dependents,” Achia said.
“There is a need for an additional Shs 5.636 billion to cover the increased medical insurance premiums for MPs,” he concluded.
