Museveni Approves Financial Package for Newly Elected MPs Amid Anti-Corruption Warning

Uganda, April 16, 2026 - Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has approved a financial package of 100 million Ugandan shillings for each newly elected Member of Parliament, during a retreat for ruling party legislators in Kyankwanzi.

The announcement was made during a meeting with MPs from the National Resistance Movement (NRM), where Museveni also cautioned lawmakers against corruption, warning that it undermines the effectiveness of Parliament.

According to the President, MPs who accept the package will initially receive 20 million shillings before their official swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 2026, with the remaining amount to be disbursed later.

“I have approved 100 million shillings, but I will provide a small amount for your swearing-in first. The rest will come later. We should avoid unnecessary conduct and instead rely on institutional solutions rather than corruption,” Museveni said.

The President emphasized that corruption within Parliament weakens governance and accountability, stressing that legislators have a responsibility to oversee public institutions effectively.

“When there is corruption in Parliament, how can you control others? If those responsible for oversight are compromised, who will supervise them? It would damage the country, almost like self-destruction,” he added.

Museveni also pointed to concerns about MPs allegedly soliciting funds from public officials in exchange for shielding them from scrutiny, calling for stricter ethical conduct within parliamentary committees.

The announcement has drawn attention within Uganda’s political circles, as debates continue over governance standards, parliamentary accountability, and the role of financial incentives in public service.