FORMER MPS OF UGANDA PARLIAMENT

By: Sarah Achen

Former Members of Parliament have called on the government to grant them official recognition and improve their welfare, arguing that such measures would protect them from harassment and preserve their dignity after leaving active political service.

Speaking during the 5th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Parliamentary Alumni of Uganda (PAU) held over the weekend at Parliament, the former legislators proposed that government issue them with official identification cards and distinctive attire to enable easy identification by security agencies and the public during community events and official functions.

The former MPs said the move would be similar to the recognition accorded to retired members of the armed forces in many countries, acknowledging their contribution to national service even after leaving office.

Former Oyam South MP, Isa Amiza, said many former legislators have experienced harassment and mistreatment because they are no longer easily recognised.

“We have faced situations where we are harassed or treated unfairly, and in some cases it has taken serving ministers who know us personally to intervene,” Amiza said.

He noted that many former legislators are also struggling with declining health, limited sources of income and the challenges associated with transitioning from public office to private life.

According to Amiza, some former MPs have even stopped attending state functions due to embarrassment arising from their current circumstances.

The association also appealed to the 12th Parliament to amend the Parliamentary retirement benefits scheme to provide former legislators with a monthly retirement package.

During the meeting, members elected former Mwenge South and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) legislator Dora Byamukama as the new Chairperson of the Association of Parliamentary Alumni of Uganda.

Speaking shortly after her election, Byamukama said former Members of Parliament possess valuable experience that can continue to support national development and the implementation of government programmes.

She also appealed to Parliament to allocate office space for PAU to improve coordination, strengthen record management and enhance service delivery. She added that the association could also play a valuable role in orienting newly elected Members of Parliament during induction programmes.

Byamukama further announced the launch of a voluntary health insurance scheme for individual PAU members following a proposal by Hon. Ibrahim Kaddunabi. She said the initiative will provide immediate access to healthcare while the association’s executive continues engaging Parliament on establishing a comprehensive institutional health insurance arrangement for former legislators.

She also commended the outgoing PAU executive for its efforts and pledged to continue pursuing the long-standing issue of Akasiimo for former Members of Parliament.

PAU Secretary General and former Serere County MP, John Otekat, proposed the establishment of a bicameral legislature, with the current Parliament serving as the lower house and former Members of Parliament constituting an upper house, similar to parliamentary systems in the United Kingdom and Kenya.

Otekat also urged Parliament to involve former legislators in committee activities, saying their experience would enrich committee deliberations, strengthen parliamentary oversight and support the association’s strategic objectives.

The former legislators further reminded President Yoweri Museveni of his earlier pledge to provide Shs100 million to members who served from the First Assembly through to the Ninth Parliament.

The Association of Parliamentary Alumni of Uganda said the proposed reforms would help preserve the dignity of former legislators while recognising their contribution to Uganda’s democratic and political development.