Luweero bishop blasts parliament over cars

By Bernard Bakalu

The caretaker bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Luweero, the Rt. Rev. James William Ssebaggala has blasted parliament over what he has labelled lavish expenditure on cars at a time when the common man is sleeping on an empty stomach.

On Monday, all former Speakers of the Parliament of Uganda who served since 1979 received new official government vehicles worth billions of shillings.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at Parliament Anita Annet Among the Speaker of Parliament said that every 5 years, they will be giving them new cars as an appreciation for their service to ease their transport means.

She also noted that the cars remain the property of the Government of Uganda and Parliament will maintain and fuel them.

Among said that Parliament will after every 5 years by giving them new cars, or in between when their cars get problems.

She told them that they would be allowing them to bring them back and they would get them new ones adding that: “You are property of the Government of Uganda, so we are supposed to look after you.”

Now, delivering his Christmas message Wednesday at a Press Conference at his office in Luweero, Bishop Ssebaggala who is also the retired Bishop of Mukono diocese has noted that although it’s good to appreciate those who served the country in such positions, the timing is not good.

“I want to appeal to all leaders especially our Members of Parliament, we have seen the luxurious cars which were bought, it was good to remember those who were previously working for the government, but when you look at the time when they thought of helping them with such cars, I believe it was not the right time to do that when people are crying.”

The Prelate added: “And I believe that those who were helped, who were given the cars they had more other things than the cars themselves, many people are very poor when we have a lot of debt when our roads especially here in Luweero are too bad, I can even say three bad, we need our legislators o think about their country.”

Bishop Ssebaggala’s remarks are an addition to those of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi who took a swipe at Parliament for allocating billions to purchase luxury cars for former Speakers, many of whom already enjoy well-equipped government vehicles.

Kyagulanyi questioned the government's common sense, referring to recent statements made by President Museveni, and pointed out that the regime claims to be cash-strapped while citizens are suffering from hunger in various parts of the country.

"The regime is failing to provide meaningful services to the people. Every week, we witness new scandals and heists. The corrupt individuals in power keep asking the citizens, 'What can you do?' It is time for the people of this country to rise and put an end to this madness," he stated.

Parliament of Uganda had earlier in 2007, passed the Parliamentary Pensions Act which conferred some retirement benefits to retired Speakers effective from the date of assent of the Act in 2007.

The retired Speakers were entitled to a pension, gratuity, chauffeur-driven car, medical care, security, and domestic staff. However, the Speakers and Deputy Speakers of Parliaments before 2007, were left out.

The Parliamentary Commission chaired by Among initiated an amendment to the Parliamentary Pensions Act 2022 to extend pension benefits to all retired Speakers effective the year 1980.

The recent enactment of the Parliamentary Pensions Act expanded the beneficiaries to include all Speakers who served Uganda since 1979.

They include; President Museveni, Chairman of NRC, Edward Rugumayo Speaker and Chairman NCC from 1979-19 80, Francis Butagira 1980-1985, Al Hajji Moses Kigongo, Vice Chairman NRC 1986-1996, Edward Ssekandi 1998-2001 Deputy Speaker and Speaker of 7th and 8th Parliament.

It was also noted that the families of the late James Wapakhabulo, Francis Ayume, and Alexander Waibale who died before the enactment of the Parliamentary Pensions Act of 2007 will also be honoured.