Former Members of Parliament have asked the government to introduce a monthly retirement allowance of between Shs10 million and Shs15 million, alongside special identification cards and official jackets, saying the measures would protect their dignity and end the harassment they face after leaving office.
The proposals were presented during the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Parliamentary Alumni of Uganda held at Parliament, where retired legislators argued that former MPs continue to serve as national leaders and deserve formal recognition even after their terms end.
The former lawmakers also appealed to the 12th Parliament to amend the retirement benefits framework to include former MPs among beneficiaries of a monthly retirement package, similar to those enjoyed by former presidents, former Speakers of Parliament and judges.
Former Chairperson of the Presidential Affairs Committee in the 8th Parliament, Gelard Menya, said the proposed package would not include government vehicles, official residences or domestic workers. Instead, he said it would provide a monthly allowance funded through contributions.
Menya suggested that eligible former MPs could receive between Shs10 million and Shs15 million every month if the proposal is approved.
In addition to the financial package, the former legislators called for official identification cards and distinctive jackets to make them easily recognisable at state and public events.
Former Oyam South MP Isa Otto Amiza said several retired legislators have been embarrassed after being mistaken for ordinary members of the public by security personnel during national functions.
“We have been victims of this kind of harassment and occasionally pushed and kicked at state functions like Kololo. At times, we are saved by ministers who easily identify us and come to our rescue,” Amiza said.
He added that repeated incidents have discouraged many former MPs from attending government functions despite their contribution to the country’s political development.
“The only way of avoiding such mistreatment is the creation of special jackets, like it is in Kenya and Tanzania, where former MPs are easily identified at state functions,” he said.
The former legislators said they also face declining incomes, limited access to healthcare services and reduced influence in public life after leaving Parliament. They claimed that some are denied seats and even basic refreshments during official events.
The association further reminded President Yoweri Museveni of his earlier pledge to provide Shs100 million to legislators who served from the 1st Assembly to the 9th Parliament.
According to the association, between 500 and 800 former legislators are expected to benefit from the pledge, which they say has not yet been fulfilled.
The Association of Parliamentary Alumni of Uganda said the proposed reforms would preserve the dignity of former legislators while recognising their service to the nation.
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