“Buy Us Special Jackets, We’re Chased Like Chicken Thieves At State Functions” — Former MPs Cry Out

By Swift Reporter

Former Members of Parliament have renewed calls for special recognition and a monthly retirement package, saying they continue to face humiliation, harassment and financial hardship after leaving elective office.

Meeting during the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Parliamentary Alumni of Uganda (PAU) at Parliament on Saturday, the former legislators proposed the introduction of official identification cards and distinctive jackets to help security personnel and the public easily recognize them during national and state functions.

They argued that despite having served the country in Parliament, many former legislators are subjected to embarrassing treatment, including being pushed around by security officers and denied access to designated areas at official events.

Former Oyam South MP Isa Otto Amiza said several former legislators have endured mistreatment at high-profile state functions, particularly at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

“We have been victims of this kind of harassment and occasionally pushed and kicked at state functions like Kololo. At times, we are saved by ministers who easily identify us and come to our rescue,” Amiza said.

According to the former MPs, the lack of official identification has made it difficult for security personnel to distinguish them from ordinary guests, resulting in unnecessary confrontations and loss of dignity.

Amiza said the situation has become so frustrating that some former legislators have stopped attending state events altogether.

“Some of us have started ignoring state functions because of the consequences we go through, yet we played a critical role in the politics of this country. The only way of avoiding such mistreatment is the creation of special jackets, like it is in Kenya and Tanzania, where former MPs are easily identified at state functions,” he added.

Besides recognition, the alumni said many former legislators struggle with reduced incomes, limited access to healthcare and diminished public influence after leaving Parliament.

They also complained of being denied proper seating arrangements and even basic refreshments during official functions, despite their previous service to the nation.

To address these challenges, members proposed issuing former MPs with official identification cards that would serve as proof of their status whenever they attend public events.

The alumni also urged the 12th Parliament to amend Uganda’s retirement benefits framework to include former legislators in a monthly retirement scheme similar to those enjoyed by former presidents, former Speakers and judges.

Former Chairperson of Parliament’s Presidential Affairs Committee in the 8th Parliament, Gelard Menya, said the proposal is not intended to secure luxurious retirement benefits but to provide former legislators with a modest and sustainable source of income.

He explained that the proposed package would exclude benefits such as government vehicles, official residences and domestic workers, focusing instead on a monthly allowance financed through contributions.

Menya suggested that, if approved, eligible former MPs could receive between Shs10 million and Shs15 million per month.

The association also reminded President Yoweri Museveni of an earlier pledge to provide Shs100 million to former legislators who served between the 1st Assembly and the 9th Parliament.

According to the alumni, the pledge was expected to benefit between 500 and 800 former MPs but has yet to be fulfilled.

PAU Chairperson Dora Byamukama said former legislators remain an important national resource whose experience should continue to benefit Uganda.

“We have a wealth of experience and expertise, and we are ready to continue supporting government programs, as well as sustain ourselves as individuals,” she said.

Byamukama noted that the association was established to provide a structured platform where former Members of Parliament can regularly meet, exchange ideas and continue contributing to Uganda’s socio-economic development.

The renewed demands come amid broader discussions about the welfare of former public officials, with the parliamentary alumni insisting that recognizing former legislators through official identification, improved retirement benefits and greater respect at public functions would preserve their dignity while acknowledging their contribution to Uganda’s democratic and political development.