While passing a supplementary budget worth Shs304 billion to finance several government activities in the fight against COVID-19, Parliament also allocated itself Shs10 billion. Each Member of Parliament is then set to receive Shs20 million to help them fight against the pandemic.
The ‘benefit’ has received negative reactions from the public as masses claim that in such situations MPs should be tabling motions to take pay cuts than awarding themselves with benefits.
With most legislators quiet about the matter, Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko has vowed not to return the money to government.
Nsereko said as usual, a section of MPs tried to oppose the motion of allocating themselves the ‘benefit,’ but they had no numbers to defeat their position.
“This should remind people the choices they make during elections,” Nsereko said.
He went on to say that, “This time I won’t return this money to the government to buy tear gas and sticks to beat up my people.”
Nevertheless, Nsereko revealed how he is going to distribute his Shs20m to good causes.
“Personally at the beginning of the lockdown I donated food, three ambulances and cash supplements worth Shs100m. On a daily basis I continue to give donations of nearly Shs5 million. This will not stop me from continuing to offer help. I also know many MPs have also done the same or even more,” Nsereko said.
He urged fellow MPs that in case they receive the money, they should all donate it.
“The medical workers in our constituencies should share Shs10m. Send more food support to our people through mobile money. At least choose 1000 vulnerable people and send 10,000 shillings to each to buy some food,” he said.