MPs Cry After Receiving Shs300m Car Money Instead of Shs315m

Members of Parliament have raised questions after receiving Shs300 million each as a car grant, despite the Parliamentary Commission reportedly budgeting Shs315 million for every legislator.

The money was deposited directly into the accounts of all MPs, including ex-officio members, on Thursday.

The payment immediately triggered discussion within Parliament after legislators noticed that the amount received was Shs15 million less than the figure they expected.

The issue reportedly became a subject of debate on the MPs’ WhatsApp platform, with several legislators seeking clarification from the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesigwa.

One MP questioned why the Commission’s approved figure had not been fully paid.

“We were expecting Shs315 million as per the Commission's resolution. Why have we instead been paid Shs300 million? Where is the balance of Shs15 million per MP?” the legislator asked.

Another MP called for an official explanation, arguing that Parliament should account for the difference.

“Hon. Clerk, can you clarify to us why we have been shortchanged by Shs15 million? The budget clearly provided for Shs315 million. This is taxpayers' money and we need transparency,” another MP posted.

If Shs315 million was indeed the approved allocation per legislator, the reported Shs15 million difference would amount to more than Shs8.2 billion across the House.

The car grant is intended to facilitate MPs in acquiring vehicles for constituency work and other official duties during the 12th Parliament.

However, Parliament had not publicly explained the difference between the reported approved allocation and the amount deposited into MPs’ accounts by Thursday evening.

The payment comes amid renewed public debate over the cost of the parliamentary car grant, with critics questioning whether such expenditure should take priority amid competing needs in healthcare, education and infrastructure.

For now, MPs are waiting for clarification from the Parliamentary Commission and the Clerk’s office on where the reported Shs15 million per legislator went.