Scrutiny over President Museveni’s Lavish 350 Million Wardrobe as State House Budget Skyrockets to 421 Billion

A group of Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed their opposition to the proposed budget of 421 billion shillings allocated for the State House in the upcoming financial year. They argue that this budget is illegal and disregards the well-being of other Ugandans.

The protest took place during a discussion on budget proposals in parliament, which is currently in the final stages of preparing the national budget for the 2023/2024 financial year. The proposed budget includes 421 billion shillings for the State House and 250 billion shillings for the President’s Office.

In a minority report, several members, including Muwanga Kivumbi (MP for Butambala), Ssemujju Ibrahim (Kira), Adeke Ebaju (Soroti District), Namugga Goreth (Mawogola), and Lulume Bayiga (Buikwe South), argue that the proposed 421 billion shillings for State House represent wasteful spending. They claim that it focuses on the luxury of one family at the expense of millions of Ugandans.

The proposed budget allocation for the State House includes various items such as donations, classified expenditures, travel expenses, staff salaries, vehicle maintenance, building improvements, agricultural supplies, special meals and drinks, welfare and entertainment, travel abroad, aircraft improvements, staff medical expenses, furniture, books, beddings, clothes, footwear, and veterinary supplies.

The members proposed that the President and his family be given 21 billion shillings under State House for their welfare, and the remaining 400 billion shillings should be used to fund priorities in the health sector.

According to Muwanga Kivumbi, “The President, under the Constitution, is supposed to work for the sole purpose of promoting the welfare of citizens, not his own welfare. This Parliament would be violating the Constitution if it passes a budget that allows the president to indulge in luxury illegally, at the expense of the citizens’ welfare.” Kivumbi pointed out specific items in the budget, such as the allocation of 350 million shillings for clothes and 600 million shillings for furniture, questioning the need for such expenses.

The MPs argue that the Presidential Emoluments and Benefits Act of 1998 provides a list of salaries, allowances, and other benefits for the President. They suggest that when budgeting for the President and his family, this law should be followed. However, previous Parliaments have not adhered to these guidelines.

The minority report also questions the allocation of 7.8 billion shillings for agriculture supplies and 184 million shillings for veterinary services. They express concern that the State House may be operating private farms without the country’s knowledge.

The report highlights that the President initially requested 682 billion shillings, which was later increased to 150 billion shillings for classified expenditure in a supplementary budget. The opposition MPs feel a responsibility to put an end to what they consider excessive spending.

However, the opposition members have agreed to the budget of 250 billion shillings for the President’s office, with the exception of 43.7 billion shillings for official ceremonies and 38.7 billion shillings for classified expenditure.