A section of Legislators on Parliament’s Budget Committee have queried the hefty Shs93.033Bn funding request by State House.
The proposal includes Shs83.033Bn for presidential donations and Shs10Bn for vehicles to be used by President Museveni during the 2026 election campaigns.
Alex Byarugaba, Chairperson of the Presidential Affairs Committee, passionately defended the request, warning that unmet presidential pledges were tarnishing the President’s reputation as the Fountain of Honour. He said that the vehicles would be crucial for Museveni’s movements during the election season and for monitoring the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Byarugaba also revealed that State House requires Shs83.03Bn to clear pending donations, but the current Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) provides only Shs53.033Bn, leaving a Shs30Bn shortfall.
“This funding gap is alarming. Many areas have pending presidential pledges. Such gaps negatively impact the image of the Fountain of Honour. Enhanced allocation is essential to address this challenge.” he said
Justifying the Shs10Bn request for new vehicles, Byarugaba noted that the current fleet is aging, with rising maintenance costs.
“The election season is intense, and the President must be equipped to monitor critical projects like the PDM,” he said.
However, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju raised eyebrows, questioning why campaign vehicles for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) should burden taxpayers.
“You’re essentially funding NRM campaigns through the national budget. The President isn’t an extension worker. Why should he be in sugarcane plantations or on bicycles with bisanja?” Ssemujju argued
Byarugaba dismissed Ssemujju’s criticism, asserting that State House’s constitutional mandate includes facilitating the Presidency at all times.
“The President is the Fountain of Honour and must be adequately supported. Are we proud of a President traveling in ramshackle vehicles? Securing the President and his First Family is paramount.” he insisted
