Uganda’s Parliamentary expenditures recently allocated approximately Shs 600 million to sponsor the vacation of Speaker Anita Among and her spouse, Moses Magogo.
Leaked details reveal that Among, the Bukedea Woman MP, received Shs 499 million, while Magogo, the Budiope East lawmaker, obtained Shs 49 million. Recorded on January 29, 2024, in Parliament’s financial records, these transactions were labeled as ‘payment of per diem (for both Among and Magogo) to Nairobi – Kenya for official leave.’
When questioned about this allocation on Friday, Speaker Among justified it, stating, “Traveling with my spouse is my entitlement.” However, reports suggest that the couple did not actually travel to Nairobi for the intended annual leave, with sources indicating Among’s last travel occurred in August of the previous year when she met Pope Francis in Rome, Italy. Brushing off claims of non-compliance, Among dismissed them as the work of “haters.”
This development unfolds against the backdrop of the government urging taxpayers to exercise fiscal restraint due to the challenging economic conditions. President Museveni had previously issued directives to curtail foreign travel to prevent the misuse of public funds.
During the commissioning of facilities at Uganda Petroleum Institute-Kigumba (UPIK) in March 2023, Museveni emphasized the need for officials to halt international travel, citing financial wastage and poor planning. The current budget for the Speaker of Parliament’s office stands at Shs 13.1 billion for the fiscal year 2024/25.
Speaker Among’s budget includes Shs 2.4 billion for donations, and her per diem is set at $4,000 per day. She is entitled to 60 days of paid official leave abroad with her spouse annually. Taxpayers foot the bill for their business class tickets and per diem, totaling an annual fuel budget exceeding Shs 800 million.
The budgetary breakdown further designates Shs 1 billion for advertisements and public relations, Shs 70 million for workshops, Shs 495 million for staff training, Shs 547.2 million for welfare and entertainment, Shs 16.8 million for ICT services, Shs 9.6 million for property management, Shs 143.1 million for bedding, clothes, and footwear, Shs 1.34 billion for inland travel, and Shs 5.3 billion for travel abroad.
