Africa-Press – Uganda. Ugandan economists and legal experts have issued a stark warning to Parliament: rein in the habitual absenteeism of Members of Parliament (MPs) or risk the continued wastage of billions of shillings and a constitutional crisis.
On April 16, economists and lawyers sounded the alarm, citing a growing trend of MPs failing to attend parliamentary sessions, while continuing to draw hefty salaries and allowances from the national treasury.
Dr. Paul Wabiga, a senior economist, estimates that “if this trend continues unchecked, absentee MPs will cost Ugandan taxpayers over Shs135 billion in the next nine months alone.”
He added, “This is not just mismanagement. It’s legalized looting.”
Commercial lawyer Steven Kalali expressed concern over the legal implications.
“We have already seen Parliament pass critical laws without the necessary quorum. Courts later struck them down, like with the Anti-Homosexuality and Anti-Nectic Drugs Bills. This is a ticking time bomb,” Kalali said.
Kalali urged that MPs’ salaries and benefits be tied directly to key performance indicators (KPIs), such as session attendance and participation in legislative work.
“Pay them for work done. It’s that simple,” he said. “The era of freeloading must end.”
Lawyer Elias Tumwebaze echoed those sentiments, warning that continued absenteeism undermines both legal integrity and democratic representation.
“When MPs avoid Parliament, they’re essentially denying their constituents a voice. That is not just a betrayal — it’s a violation of the social contract,” he said.
Dr. Wabiga traced the problem back to the days of Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, former Vice President and Speaker, noting that it has since become a normalized culture.
“This rot started years ago. But now, with billions at stake, it must be rooted out with urgency,” he emphasized.
Public frustration is mounting, with citizens increasingly questioning why absentee lawmakers continue to enjoy lavish perks with little to no accountability.
Legal minds and economists agree — it’s time for Parliament to either discipline its own or risk becoming irrelevant.
“Ugandans deserve better. If MPs won’t work, they shouldn’t be paid,” Kalali concluded.
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