President Yoweri Museveni has confirmed that Members of Parliament each received Shs100 million through classified government funding, just days after Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa dismissed such claims as baseless rumors.
The president’s confirmation comes amid growing public scrutiny and pressure from opposition leaders, following reports by the Nile Post about the mysterious disbursements.
In a statement released on Friday, Museveni defended the funds, stating they were intended to support activities aimed at “countering enemy schemes” in the country. He insisted the payout was not a handout but a strategic move in the interest of national security.
“Classified funds serve two purposes: acquiring sensitive equipment and supporting efforts to defeat threats to Uganda’s peace,” Museveni explained.
He compared the payout to the patriotic sacrifices made by former liberation fighters, including FRONASA and NRA forces, who he said went for years without pay while fighting for Uganda’s freedom. “We fought from 1971 to 1987 without receiving salaries. Our motivation was patriotism and Pan-Africanism,” he said.
Museveni emphasized that the payout should be viewed within the context of national stability and sovereignty, not as a political reward. He criticized the opposition and sections of the media, accusing them of advancing foreign interests against Uganda.
He particularly targeted Muwanga Kivumbi, the Public Accounts Committee chairperson, and the Daily Monitor, which he branded “an anti-Ugandan newspaper.” Museveni questioned their silence on foreign funding received by NGOs and opposition groups, suggesting that foreign-backed initiatives are more corrupt and traitorous than classified government spending.
Citing recent remarks by U.S. Congressman Andy Barr, Museveni suggested that foreign influence—particularly from those funding pro-LGBTQ+ campaigns—poses a greater threat to Uganda’s sovereignty than internal government decisions.
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However, the President did not explain how MPs were selected to receive the money or what specific roles they played. He also remained silent on the exact process of the disbursement, although earlier reports suggest the funds were drawn from the Defence Ministry’s classified budget.
Earlier this week, Nile Post revealed that each MP had received Shs100 million without any formal announcement. Deputy Speaker Tayebwa had brushed off the claims as “street talk,” refusing to provide further details.
In response, the National Unity Platform (NUP) rejected the payout and instructed its MPs to return the funds, calling the move unethical and politically manipulative. Acting Leader of the Opposition, Muwanga Kivumba, warned that accepting the money would violate party principles and that any NUP legislator who accepted the funds must return them immediately.
Some MPs have since confirmed returning the money, while others have yet to speak out.
This isn’t the first time Parliament has come under fire for large, unexplained payouts. In 2021, MPs were given Shs200 million each in what was called a car grant—sparking outrage at a time when citizens were grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the backlash, Museveni maintained that classified funding is a legitimate tool for safeguarding national interests. “Has this approach helped preserve peace? Absolutely. That’s why Uganda remains an island of peace in a turbulent region,” he asserted.
He concluded his statement by commemorating April 11, 1979—the day Ugandan and Tanzanian forces ousted Idi Amin—as a testament to the success of patriotic struggle.
Yet, public anger remains, with opposition voices calling for full disclosure from Parliament and the Ministry of Finance. One MP, speaking anonymously, said, “This isn’t classified—it’s corruption.”
The debate over the payout is unlikely to end soon, as it raises longstanding concerns over transparency, misuse of public funds, and political patronage within Uganda’s leadership.
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