Why former MPs Want Monthly Allowance, Recognition

Former Members of Parliament under the Parliamentary Alumni of Uganda (PAU) have renewed calls for formal recognition and a monthly allowance, arguing that their experience remains a critical national resource.

The alumni made the appeal during their Annual General Meeting at Parliament on Saturday. The meeting brought together former legislators from different political eras to reflect on their contributions and discuss ways to continue serving the country.

According to PAU, the association’s main objective is to provide a structured forum where former MPs can meet regularly, exchange ideas, and contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic development.

Dora Byamukama, Chairperson of PAU, stressed the value former legislators still offer to national development.

“We have a wealth of experience and expertise, and we are ready to continue supporting government programs, as well as sustain ourselves as individuals,” Byamukama said.

She noted that while Parliament currently provides Shs10 million for burial expenses for deceased former members, more support is needed for living alumni.

“This is important. But more importantly, we are also looking at our health, because we should not only focus on burial,” she said.

Byamukama added that the association has now secured a permanent office at Parliament.

“We have secured an office at Parliament, and therefore we now have an address, we have a home,” she said.

Secretary General Hon. Capt. John Emily Otekat highlighted disparities in the pension scheme. He said only MPs from the 8th Parliament onwards receive pensions, leaving those who served from the 1st to 7th Parliament without retirement benefits.

“The other issue we are working on is pensions. Those from the 8th Parliament upward get it, but from the 1st to 7th Parliament they don’t. This is very detrimental,” Otekat said.

He cited the judiciary as an example, where judges and magistrates receive decent pensions.

“It is important that we push for an amendment of the law to ensure that all members get a pension. It may not be much, but a pension is important in making a person feel respected and acknowledged for the service they have rendered,” he said.

The alumni say a monthly allowance and full pension coverage would not only honour their service but also enable them to remain productive contributors to national development in retirement