National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Rubongoya has criticised the reported allocation of Shs40 billion to Members of Parliament who attended the recent National Resistance Movement (NRM) retreat in Kyankwanzi, questioning the timing and justification of the payout.
His remarks come after Daily Monitor reported that each of the about 400 MPs who attended the nine-day retreat received Shs100 million.
The report quoted President Yoweri Museveni saying the funds were meant to support legislators as they settle into office and handle early parliamentary responsibilities, noting that many face financial pressures after elections.
Rubongoya, however, dismissed the explanation, arguing that the money reflects misplaced priorities at a time when many Ugandans are struggling with the cost of living and rising debt levels.
He said the funds were drawn from what he described as a population already burdened by poverty and national debt, adding that the decision raises questions about how public resources are managed and distributed.
He further questioned whether proper public finance procedures were followed in approving and disbursing the money, suggesting that transparency and accountability standards were not observed.
Rubongoya also pointed to repeated government calls for integrity in public service, saying the payout undermines messages against corruption.
“Did I hear Museveni tell those MPs not to be corrupt? Only to crown the retreat with a grand corruption scandal,” he said, expressing frustration over what he termed repeated misuse of public funds.
The Kyankwanzi retreat, often used by the ruling party to align its policy direction and legislative agenda, has previously faced criticism over the cost of organising such gatherings and the related expenditures.