Written By | Our Reporter
Remigio Achia, the Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Budget Committee
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PARLIAMENT
Parliament has requested an additional Shs263.937 billion in the Financial Year 2026/27 budget to facilitate the purchase of vehicles for Members of Parliament, rent extra office space, and cater for increased medical insurance costs covering lawmakers and their dependants. The request was presented by Remigio Achia, the Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Budget Committee, while tabling the committee’s report on the 2026/27 National Budget Framework Paper during a plenary sitting.
Achia told Parliament that the proposed funding includes Shs166.8 billion earmarked for the purchase of vehicles for 529 Members of the 12th Parliament, aimed at ensuring effective, efficient and timely execution of legislative, oversight and representative duties.
“Members of Parliament are required to travel extensively across constituencies and the country to engage constituents, monitor government programmes and participate in parliamentary-related activities,” Achia said. “Provision of reliable and standardised vehicles will enhance their mobility, improve service delivery and reduce operational inefficiencies.”
The funding request also includes Shs5.636 billion to cater for increased medical insurance premiums for MPs, their spouses, children and parents. Achia noted that the insurance scheme has faced rising costs driven by inflation, increased healthcare expenses, and higher utilisation of specialised and overseas medical services.
“These increases have outpaced the originally approved budget allocations, creating a funding gap that risks undermining the adequacy and sustainability of health care coverage for MPs and their dependants,” Achia explained. 
In addition, Parliament is seeking Shs91.5 billion to address a shortfall required to implement several retooling and infrastructure projects. These include ongoing construction works on the new Parliamentary Chamber and the planned architectural design of a new office block along Parliament Avenue, following the anticipated takeover of land currently occupied by the Ministry of Lands and the Uganda Prisons Service headquarters.
During the same sitting, legislators approved the request for increased medical insurance premiums for Members of Parliament. Meanwhile, the Uganda Police Force (UPF) has also sought an additional Shs28.016 billion to cater for salaries of 10,000 officers recruited last year. According to the proposed 2026/27 budget, the Police wage bill is projected to stand at Shs522.481 billion, covering the current staffing levels of the Force.
The budget proposals are expected to continue generating debate as Parliament scrutinises spending priorities ahead of the next financial year.
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