For newly sworn-in MPs, the honeymoon period in the 12th Parliament may have just begun. But if Ruth Nankabirwa is to be believed, political fortunes can change faster than election results — so while the allowances may be flowing today, the loans should be paying for investments, not second wives.
Addressing legislators during the ongoing induction seminar at Munyonyo, the former Minister for Energy and Mineral Development urged MPs to exercise financial discipline, warning them against borrowing money for personal enjoyment or expanding their families.
"Do not borrow to marry second wives in Kampala. Borrowing is not bad but you must know the reason why you are borrowing. Borrow to invest and make more money but not to enjoy life because you are an MP," Nankabirwa said.
Her message was simple: Parliament is temporary, but debt can be permanent. Invest while the opportunity lasts because, as every election reminds politicians, not everyone returns after five years.
Nankabirwa also challenged MPs who proudly claim never to have borrowed from banks, saying responsible borrowing is a key ingredient in building wealth.
"Don't say in public that for you don't have loans in banks because banks are there to help people develop," she told the legislators.
Drawing on her experience as Government Chief Whip, she recalled that some family matters had an uncanny way of finding their way into Parliament.
"They used to bring me children at Parliament when I was a Government Chief Whip," she said, drawing laughter from the audience.
She also had advice for the husbands of female MPs, urging them to support rather than shadow their spouses during parliamentary work.
"The male spouses of MPs must make life of women MPs easy instead of following them to Parliament and even in committees," she advised.
Nankabirwa's remarks came during the 12th Parliament's induction programme, where legislators are receiving training on parliamentary procedure, ethics, oversight, financial management and leadership.
While much of the seminar has focused on constitutional duties and governance, Nankabirwa's practical lesson served as a reminder that managing personal finances may be just as important as managing public resources—especially in a profession where, come 2031, many of today's MPs may be watching proceedings from home rather than the parliamentary benches.
