A section of MPs on Parliament’s Budget Committee have raised concerns about the request from State House for a provision of Shs83.033 billion for presidential donations and Shs10 billion for the purchase of vehicles for President Museveni’s use during the 2026 general elections campaign.
The query came after a request by Alex Byarugaba, Chairperson of the Presidential Affairs Committee, who emphasized that President Museveni’s failure to fulfill his presidential pledges has negatively impacted his image as the Fountain of Honour. He argued that the funds for vehicles would support the President’s mobility during the busy election period and help monitor the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“State House requires Shs83.03 billion to cover pending donations, but only Shs53.033 billion is allocated in the MTEF ceiling, creating a funding gap of Shs30 billion. This is concerning, especially considering the outstanding presidential pledges across many regions. The Shs30 billion gap should be addressed to facilitate the fulfillment of these donations. This issue requires urgent attention,” Byarugaba said.
Byarugaba defended the request, explaining that unfulfilled presidential pledges have been a consistent challenge for State House in past years. He warned that failing to address these issues could harm the image of the President, who is also the Fountain of Honour, and called for a higher allocation to resolve these matters.
Regarding the need for campaign vehicles, Byarugaba noted that State House has an aging fleet, with maintenance costs rising annually. With the country heading into a busy election season, he emphasized the importance of facilitating the President’s movement and monitoring the PDM.
However, Ibrahim Ssemujju (Kira Municipality) questioned why the President should be involved in monitoring projects such as sugar cane and banana plantations, likening it to the role of an extension worker. He also questioned the justification for including the purchase of campaign vehicles in the national budget.
“It’s hard to justify buying vehicles for NRM campaigns and including them in the national budget. The President should not be reduced to an extension worker, especially in sugarcane plantations. We need a proper extension system for these sectors. The President should not be out there on a bicycle with bisanja—that’s ridiculous,” Ssemujju remarked.
In response, Byarugaba defended the request, citing the constitutional mandate of State House to support the Presidency and ensure effective performance of constitutional and administrative duties under Articles 98 and 99 of the Constitution.
“The President remains in office throughout the election period and must be properly facilitated. He is the Fountain of Honour, and we should not be proud of a President who travels in poor-quality vehicles. We must secure the President and his First Family,” Byarugaba argued.
