Uganda’s Parliament is once again at the center of public attention after revealing plans to allocate an additional Shs5 billion to expand medical insurance coverage for elderly Members of Parliament, a proposal that has quickly stirred controversy.
The proposed funding is intended to improve healthcare benefits for MPs aged above 75, a category that currently does not receive full coverage under the existing parliamentary medical insurance arrangement.
At present, the scheme mainly supports legislators under the age of 65, but officials argue that this structure no longer matches the current reality in which a growing number of older politicians continue to serve in Parliament.
Supporters of the plan say the increase is necessary because ageing lawmakers face more frequent and complex health challenges, requiring stronger and more responsive medical support systems.
During budget discussions, Deputy Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, John Teira, defended the request, saying it would help address rising medical costs and ensure elderly legislators receive timely treatment when needed.
The proposal also includes funding for emergency medical evacuation abroad, which officials describe as essential for handling critical cases that require urgent specialist care not always available locally.
Speaker Anita Among expressed support for the plan, noting that delays in referral systems can be dangerous in serious medical situations and that some cases demand immediate treatment outside the country.
However, the move has faced criticism from some MPs who argue that the funds would be better invested in strengthening Uganda’s public healthcare system, with opponents like Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda insisting that national hospitals should be prioritized over enhanced benefits for a small group of leaders.
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