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The Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, in its report, criticized the reduction, stating that it would hinder the legislature’s operations
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By Our Reporter
PARLIAMENT- Members of Parliament have strongly opposed the Ministry of Finance’s decision to reduce the legislature’s budget by Shs145 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, demanding that the funds be restored to the current level. According to the 2025/26 National Budget Framework Paper, Parliament’s budget is set to decrease from Shs978.570 billion in 2024/25 to Shs833.495 billion next year.
The Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, in its report, criticized the reduction, stating that it would hinder the legislature’s operations. “The Committee noted that the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the Parliamentary Commission in FY2025/26 is Shs145 billion less than the approved budget for FY2024/25. This reduction should be rectified by uplifting the MTEF. We recommend that Shs145 billion be provided to restore the Parliamentary Commission’s budget to the current operating level,” the report read.
In addition to the Shs833.495 billion allocated to the Parliamentary Commission, MPs are seeking an extra Shs78.694 billion to fund several development projects. These include the purchase of vehicles for top political leaders, office furniture, and the completion of the new Parliamentary Chambers.
A breakdown of the proposed additional funds reveals:
The Budget Committee’s report emphasized the need for these funds, stating, “The Committee recommends that the Parliamentary Commission be provided with Shs78.694 billion in FY2025/26 to address the development budget shortfall.”
Furthermore, the Parliamentary Commission is requesting an additional Shs12.12 billion for ICT infrastructure and the planned e-Parliament project, aimed at modernizing the legislature’s operations.
The proposed budget cuts and additional funding requests have sparked a heated debate, with MPs arguing that the reduction would undermine Parliament’s ability to effectively carry out its oversight and legislative functions. They have called on the Ministry of Finance to reconsider the decision and ensure that the legislature is adequately funded.
As the budget discussions continue, the standoff highlights the ongoing tension between the executive and legislative branches over resource allocation and financial priorities.
Torch Media Africa
