Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has strongly dismissed allegations suggesting that Parliament is misappropriating taxpayers’ money to buy extravagant suits and dresses for its leadership.
Tayebwa clarified that the funds allocated to his office are exclusively used for the purchase of wigs and coats that are required during parliamentary sessions.Tayebwa emphasized his personal preference for borrowing a stylish suit rather than having Parliament finance one for him.
He pointed out that he is adequately compensated by Parliament and does not require additional clothing allowances. He humorously noted that, due to the lack of available wigs, borrowing one from someone else is not an option.
“I would prefer to borrow a beautiful suit rather than have Parliament fund one for me. I am well compensated by Parliament and do not need additional clothing allowances from them. However, since you don’t have a wig, I can’t borrow one from you,” Tayebwa said.
This statement came in response to concerns raised by Denis Oguzu, the representative for Maracha East, during the Plenary sitting held on August 6, 2024. Oguzu had requested clarification regarding reports suggesting that the parliamentary budget includes allocations for clothing and bedding for both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
He expressed his disapproval of this expenditure, especially in the wake of a recent protest in which a young girl lamented her mother’s death due to the unavailability of intensive care and medical evacuation services.
Oguzu referred to a poignant placard held by the girl, which criticized Parliament for spending on clothing rather than prioritizing healthcare needs. He suggested that this criticism casts Parliament in a negative light and could be seen as a form of blackmail. Oguzu called for a detailed explanation of the budget allocations for the clothing of the parliamentary leadership.
“I saw a placard from a girl whose mother died because she couldn’t afford intensive care or medical evacuation. The placard criticized Parliament for spending on clothing instead of addressing healthcare needs. This criticism feels like an indictment of Parliament and amounts to blackmail. Can we clarify the budget for clothing for our Presiding Officers?” Oguzu said.
In his response, Tayebwa confirmed that there is indeed a budget line for clothing and bedding under the Parliamentary Commission. However, he clarified that these funds are used primarily for the attire of parliamentary staff, including Protocol Officers, whose role is to maintain a professional image for Parliament.
Tayebwa assured that Parliament has not funded any personal clothing for him beyond the wigs and gowns required for official functions.
“There is indeed a budget line for clothing and bedding under the Parliamentary Commission. However, apart from the wigs and gowns, Parliament has never purchased any clothing for me. I followed up on this and found that the funds are used to maintain a professional appearance for our Protocol Officers,” Tayebwa said.
Additionally, Oguzu urged the Ministry of Health to provide clarity on the procedures for Ugandans seeking specialized medical treatment abroad. He expressed concern about perceived disparities in access to international healthcare, suggesting that the current system creates a divide where some individuals can access government-funded treatment overseas while others are forced to seek financial support through social media platforms.
This discussion comes amid growing public scrutiny over Parliament’s spending practices. Recent revelations have compared the cost of Speaker Among’s attire to high-end European luxury prices, further fueling concerns about the use of public funds.
