Members of Parliament have expressed mixed reactions over President Museveni’s directive to give the legislators military guards and escort vehicles. The president called for express procurement of bullet proof vehicles that would cost the taxpayer about Shs290b.
“Each MP will now have a marksman with a body armour, bulletproof four wheel-drive escort vehicle with an open carriage bed, in addition to police guards,” a statement signed by the president to Minister of Finance read.
Theodore Ssekikubo stated that the expense would be an extra-burden to the tax-payers.
“If you were duly elected by the people, how can it be that the same people can quickly change their mind to kill you? MPs should only be honest and represent the views of their people. We should not stress the taxpayers,” Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga, NRM)
Hon. Arinaitwe warned legislators against taking the directive lightly.
Arinaitwe Rwakajara, NRM; This is a decision of the president and commander-in-chief who heads the country’s security. Only the president knows it’s viability and as a commission, we have not discussed the security of members, but we should not take it lightly if the people have been threatening to attack Parliament”.
Joseph Sewungu described it as a wasteful expenditure.
“This is shameful, especially given that it is coming from the Head of State. We have already passed the budget, where will this money come from? I do not need this vehicle. Where are they going to park? If he gives me one, I will take it to Kalungu and use it to carry my pigs. I do not need those soldiers,” Joseph Sewungu (Kalungu West, DP)
Gerald Karuhanga suggested that the money should instead be used for investigating crime and motivating security officers.
“Security comes from the population. We need not waste taxpayers’ money. The government should sink this money in investigating crime and motivating the security officers rather than simply dishing it out on MPs.” Gerald Karuhanga (Ntungamo, Ind)
Beatrice Anywar stated that the extra security could separate them from the population.
“It is true there is a lot of tension in the country. Many people have been killed, including MPs. This means there is need for a solution. What is important is that we must secure everyone, not only leaders. In fact it becomes dangerous if MPs are protected from their own voters.” Beatrice Anywar (Kitgum Indp)
Thomas Tayebwa suggested that it’s better to give them cash instead of cars.
“ I don’t need a sharp shooter, now to shoot who? I think the Speaker should provide a list of MPs who want sharp shooters to get them but I pray that for some of us who don’t need them, we should get cash to take to our constituencies. We have our Health Centre IIIs rotting without renovation.” Thomas Tayebwa (Ruhinda North, NRM