The Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has justified Parliament’s decision to allocate over Shs2.5 billion for the procurement of new vehicles for former Speakers. Today, Among distributed some high-end vehicles, each valued at a minimum of Shs500 million, to beneficiaries such as Edward Ssekandi, Prof. Edward Rugumayo, and Al Hajji Moses Kigongo.
During the vehicle handover, Among defended the budget allocation, emphasizing that former Speakers are considered parliamentary assets and must be cared for. She stated, “As representatives of the Government of Uganda, our responsibility is to ensure your well-being. You are the property of the Parliament… We have to look after you.”
Among highlighted that the recent enactment of the Parliamentary Pensions Act extends benefits to all Speakers who served Uganda since 1979. Beneficiaries encompass Kigongo, who chaired the National Consultative Council (3rd Parliament) from 1979 to 1980, Speaker of the 4th Parliament Francis Butagira (1980-1985), and Edward Ssekandi, the Deputy Speaker and Speaker of the 7th and 8th Parliament. Rebecca Kadaga, the Speaker emeritus of the 9th and 10th Parliament (2011 until 2021), is also a recipient.
According to Among, the distribution of vehicles to emeritus Speakers serves as a token of appreciation for their services and contributions to Uganda’s development. She expressed, “It is always good to appreciate people when they are still alive. You did a lot for this country and continue to do so. We don’t want, at the time when you are no more, everyone paying tribute and talking all the good things about you. As the 11th Parliament, we thought it wise to appreciate you while you are still alive.