Published on 12/04/2025
Ministry of Public Service has requested an additional UGX 7.2 billion to procure vehicles for former Vice Presidents and Prime Ministers, in line with retirement benefits attached to those offices.
The request is detailed in the Parliament Committee on Public Service’s report on the 2025/26 Ministerial Policy Statement, presented by Gulu West MP, Ojara Mapenduzi, during the plenary sitting on April 9, 2025.
“The Ministry of Public Service requires UGX 7.2 billion to purchase vehicles for former leaders. This is a statutory obligation in fulfilment of the Emoluments and Benefits of the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister Act,” said Mapenduzi.
He noted that some retired leaders qualify for benefits under both the Parliamentary Pensions Act (Cap. 273) and the Emoluments and Benefits of the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister Act (Cap. 277), which include pensions, gratuities, vehicles, medical care, and domestic staff.
However, Mapenduzi reminded Parliament that the committee has previously recommended harmonizing the laws to avoid potential duplication of benefits.
During budget scrutiny, it was revealed that a concept paper outlining principles for reviewing Schedule 4 of the Parliamentary Pensions Act and Salaries and Allowances (Specified Officers) Act had been submitted to the Cabinet Secretary. Consultations are complete, and the paper is ready for resubmission to Cabinet for consideration.
“The Committee recommends that the UGX 7.2 billion required for the procurement of vehicles for retired leaders be provided in accordance with the existing legal provisions, pending the review of the relevant legislation,” he added.
Recognize of Independence Heroes
In the same report, the Ministry of Public Service also sought UGX 5 billion to support the recognition of Uganda’s independence heroes—individuals who played significant roles in the country’s liberation from British colonial rule, which was attained on October 9, 1962.
“The recognition targets ordinary citizens, political leaders, freedom fighters, intellectuals, and activists who contributed between 1945 and 1962. This is proposed as a one-time recognition, and the required UGX 5 billion has not been allocated in the current budget,” said Mapenduzi, citing Cabinet’s directive to the ministry to study the matter.
The committee supported the proposal, noting that most recognitions to date have focused on those involved in the liberation struggle from 1981 to 1986, while early independence contributors remain largely unrecognized.
Mapenduzi emphasized the need for a comprehensive and inclusive framework to guide the identification and selection of national heroes.
“A clear and inclusive definition of heroism is essential, given that perceptions of heroism differ across regions and evolve over time. To ensure fairness, the process must be guided by a structured, neutral framework free from political bias,” he said.
He further recommended that recognition go beyond awarding medals to include meaningful benefits that preserve the value of the honour. Clear classifications, benchmarks, and legal frameworks should also be established to ensure consistency.
Parliament directed the Ministry of Public Service to work closely with local governments and other stakeholders to ensure fairness, transparency, and credibility in the selection process. A detailed report on the beneficiaries, types of awards, and other associated benefits should also be submitted to Parliament.
Induction of Local Government Leaders
The Ministry of Local Government has also requested additional funding to support the induction of local government leaders who will be elected during the 2026 general elections. Although a portion of the funding has been included in the budget, the majority remains unfunded.
Mapenduzi defended the expenditure, stating, “Conflicts, poor accountability, and illegalities have marred the current term due to the lack of induction and orientation for local government leaders. This has persisted throughout the 2021–2026 term due to inadequate funding.”
He added that no funds have been allocated for induction activities in FY 2025/26, despite the upcoming elections that will bring in new councillors and chairpersons.
The Ministry requested UGX 1 billion for preparatory activities, including the development and printing of induction materials, but only UGX 160 million was allocated—leaving a shortfall of UGX 840 million.
The committee recommended that the shortfall be provided to ensure adequate preparation for the induction of new local leaders.
