Parliament is seeking Shs5 billion in the 2026/27 financial year to provide medical insurance cover for elderly Members of Parliament aged above 75, in a proposal that has sparked debate over budget priorities and public spending.
According to budget discussions, medical insurance has previously been extended to MPs below the age of 65, but the new proposal seeks to widen coverage by an additional 10 years, citing the increasing number of older legislators in the House.
John Teira, deputy chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, while presenting the Parliamentary Commission budget report, said the additional funding was necessary to cater for MPs above 65, including provisions for emergency treatment abroad.
He noted that the growing number of senior citizen MPs, including representatives of older persons elected in the 11th Parliament, had increased demand for enhanced medical cover.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among defended the proposal, saying the funds are necessary because legislators sometimes require urgent medical treatment abroad, which may not be quickly handled through government medical referral systems.
She cited cases where MPs have required emergency evacuation for specialised treatment, arguing that delays in government procedures can be life-threatening.
However, the proposal has faced criticism from some legislators. MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda opposed the allocation, arguing that the funds would be better directed to strengthening public health services at institutions such as Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Beyond the medical insurance debate, Parliament is also reviewing other budget allocations in the 2026/27 fiscal framework, which shows a reduction in the overall parliamentary budget from Shs1.32 trillion to Shs1.29 trillion.
Of this, Shs122 billion is earmarked for salaries, Shs861 billion for operational expenses, and Shs46 billion for construction projects, while Parliament reports a funding shortfall of Shs18.77 billion.
Lawmakers have also raised concerns about committee funding, saying the current Shs45 billion allocation is insufficient for effective oversight and are seeking an increase to Shs50 billion.
Critics, however, argue that improved efficiency could address such gaps without increasing expenditure.
In addition, Parliament has requested an additional Shs65 billion for the Electoral Commission to support construction of its headquarters at Lubowa, and has backed proposals to exempt state prosecutors from taxation on salaries, similar to judges.
The discussions come amid broader public scrutiny of government spending priorities, particularly as demands for improved service delivery in health, education, and infrastructure continue to grow.