By Eumu Emmanuel
The government has approved and released a UGX 42 billion fuel refund for Members of Parliament (MPs), which they have been requesting for the past three years. This week, MPs will receive the compensation in their bank accounts for the increased fuel prices they have faced since the start of the 11th Parliament in May 2021.
The refund estimates the mileage allowance each MP receives, varying depending on the distance from Kampala to their constituencies. It is estimated that each MP will receive between UGX 75 million and UGX 90 million. The highest amount is expected to go to the MP from Zombo District, estimated at around UGX 90 million. Typically, MPs receive monthly mileage allowances ranging from UGX 15 million to UGX 40 million, with higher amounts for those representing larger constituencies or special interest groups such as national youth MPs and representatives of persons with disabilities.
These allowances are based on the expectation that MPs travel to and from their constituencies at least twice a week. The Parliamentary Commission approved the fuel refund last year in response to MPs’ concerns about outdated mileage allowance rates, which were based on the pump price of UGX 3,600 per liter set during the 10th Parliament. Since then, fuel prices have risen significantly, with petrol now costing between UGX 5,100 and UGX 5,430 per liter and diesel between UGX 4,500 and UGX 4,980 per liter.
The commission decided to adjust the mileage allowances to reflect current fuel prices, with approval from the President. A source from Parliament confirmed that MPs would receive their fuel arrears along with other allowances this week. Chris Obore, Parliament’s Director of Communication and Public Affairs, confirmed the arrears and indicated that payments would be made once the Finance Ministry disburses the funds. Responding to concerns from MPs about delayed payments, Obore urged them to inform the media when they receive their funds.
This is the first time Parliament has issued a fuel refund to MPs since 2016, when each member of the 9th Parliament received over UGX 100 million in fuel refunds. It remains unclear whether MPs who use government vehicles and fuel due to their official roles, such as ministers, will also receive this refund.
Some sources noted that MPs’ allowances were supposed to be disbursed along with their salaries this month. However, due to a budget shortfall of over UGX 80 billion in the first quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year, only salaries were paid by last Friday, with allowances pending. Obore reiterated his request for MPs to notify the media not only about payment delays but also when they receive their funds and the amounts.