Parliament Seeks Shs73bn for New Cars, Furniture

Parliament last week passed a Shs57 trillion budget for the 2025/26 financial year, which includes a request from the Parliamentary Commission for Shs833.495 billion.

However, the legislature is now seeking an additional Shs78.694 billion for various expenses, including the purchase of vehicles for top political leaders, office furniture, and funding to complete the ongoing works at the new Parliamentary Chambers.

According to the breakdown, Shs27.946 billion will go towards ongoing works at the new chamber, Shs25.8 billion for acquiring light vehicles for political offices, as well as 28-seater vans to be used primarily for committee oversight activities.

Additionally, Shs10.769 billion is earmarked for office equipment, while Shs. 10 billion will cover the architectural design of an office block on Parliamentary Avenue.

"The Committee recommends that the Parliamentary Commission be provided with Shs78.694 billion in FY2025/26 to address the development budget shortfall," states the Budget Committee report.

Parliament also seeks an extra Shs12.12 billion for ICT hardware infrastructure and the planned e-Parliament project.

Chris Obore, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Parliament of Uganda, defended the additional funding request, calling it long overdue and necessary for the legislature to meet its statutory obligations with minimal increase.

"The new chamber is an ongoing project. The contractor had issues that were resolved, but Parliament needs funds to complete the project," Obore explained.

He further disclosed that the current fleet of vehicles had surpassed its lifespan and needed replacement, particularly for fieldwork and technical staff.

“We have an old fleet of cars that need replacing,” Obore added, emphasizing that the new budget allocation would help Parliament improve its infrastructure and operational capacity.