A proposal by former Members of Parliament to receive a monthly retirement allowance of up to UGX15 million has triggered widespread public debate across Uganda, with many citizens questioning whether such a benefit is justified at a time when millions are struggling with the rising cost of living.
The proposal was presented during the annual meeting of the Association of Parliamentary Alumni of Uganda, held on July 11, 2026, where former legislators argued that they deserve better treatment and recognition for their service to the country.
The former MPs said they have made significant contributions to Uganda’s democratic and legislative development and should not be left without proper support after leaving Parliament. They argued that many of them dedicated years of their lives to public service, often sacrificing personal careers, and therefore deserve retirement benefits that reflect the importance of their former positions.
Among the key demands presented was a monthly retirement allowance of up to UGX15 million, which is approximately 4,000 US dollars. They also requested official identification cards that would recognise them as former legislators and distinctive attire similar to what retired Members of Parliament in neighbouring Kenya reportedly wear during official national functions.
The association believes that former MPs should continue to enjoy recognition and respect even after leaving elective office. Members argued that such recognition would preserve the dignity of Parliament and acknowledge the important role lawmakers have played in shaping Uganda’s governance over the years.
One of the incidents that dominated discussions during the meeting involved former MP Isa Otto Amiza. According to members of the association, Amiza was subjected to rough treatment by security personnel while attempting to access the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds during a national event, despite having previously served in Parliament. They described the incident as embarrassing and an indication that former legislators are not being accorded the respect they deserve.
The association said situations like the one involving Isa Otto Amiza demonstrate why retired MPs need official identification cards that can easily distinguish them at government functions and public events. They argued that proper identification would prevent misunderstandings and reduce unnecessary confrontations with security personnel.
Former legislators also appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to fulfil what they described as an earlier promise to improve the welfare of retired MPs. They reminded the President that discussions about better retirement packages for former legislators have been ongoing for several years but have yet to produce meaningful results.
The association further argued that former MPs should receive benefits comparable to those enjoyed by retired presidents, judges and other senior public officials. According to them, Members of Parliament also serve the nation in constitutional offices and should not be excluded from retirement arrangements available to other state officials.
Supporters of the proposal say Parliament is one of the country’s most important institutions, and lawmakers often spend years making laws, approving national budgets and overseeing government programmes. They argue that ensuring decent retirement benefits would encourage dedicated public service and help preserve the dignity of the institution.
However, the proposal has been met with strong criticism from many Ugandans, especially on social media. Critics argue that the country is already facing serious economic challenges, including unemployment, high living costs and pressure on public finances, making it difficult to justify introducing another expensive retirement package funded by taxpayers.
Many online commentators questioned whether ordinary Ugandans, who struggle to access healthcare, education and decent pensions after decades of work, should be expected to finance generous allowances for former politicians. Some argued that national resources should instead be directed toward improving public services and creating employment opportunities.
Others insisted that serving in Parliament is not a lifetime career but a political office that individuals willingly contest, knowing its term limits. They argued that aspiring politicians should prepare financially for life after politics instead of expecting permanent government support once they leave office.
Some members of the public also pointed out that MPs already receive salaries, allowances and other benefits while serving in Parliament. They argued that these earnings should enable legislators to plan for retirement through investments and personal savings rather than depending on taxpayers after their terms end.
The debate has also reignited discussions about Uganda’s growing public expenditure and the sustainability of government spending. Economists have frequently warned that expanding recurrent expenditure without increasing productivity places additional pressure on the national budget and limits funds available for development projects.
Political analysts say the proposal is likely to generate even more debate because it touches on broader concerns about leadership, accountability and the use of public resources. Many citizens believe elected leaders should demonstrate sacrifice and responsible stewardship, particularly during periods of economic hardship.
Others have defended the former MPs, arguing that public service often disrupts private careers and that not every legislator leaves Parliament wealthy. They believe a reasonable retirement package could help former lawmakers maintain dignity and avoid financial hardship after leaving office, provided the benefits are affordable and transparent.
The issue has also drawn comparisons with retirement arrangements in other countries across Africa, where former legislators receive varying levels of pensions and benefits depending on national laws and economic capacity. Supporters say Uganda should study international practices carefully before making any decisions.
Despite these arguments, public opinion appears largely opposed to the proposed UGX15 million monthly allowance. Many Ugandans have expressed concern that approving such payments would increase the financial burden on taxpayers while offering little direct benefit to ordinary citizens facing daily economic challenges.
Whether the government will act on the proposal remains uncertain. Any changes to retirement benefits for former Members of Parliament would likely require extensive consultations, legal consideration and budgetary approval before implementation.
For now, the proposal has sparked one of the country’s most heated public discussions, highlighting the difficult balance between recognising public service and protecting taxpayers’ interests. As the debate continues, both government leaders and citizens are expected to weigh the financial implications, fairness and long-term sustainability of any retirement package for Uganda’s former legislators.
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