Politics 26 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa cautions MPs against viewing Speaker's office as 'ATM'
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has urged newly sworn-in Members of Parliament to refrain from pressuring parliamentary leaders for financial handouts, warning against treating the offices of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker as 'moving ATMs'. He highlighted that such demands have created unhealthy dynamics and contributed to institutional problems within Parliament. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/tayebwa-warns-mps-against-treating-speaker-s-office-as-moving-atm--5474238
Newly inducted Members of Parliament have been cautioned by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa against creating a reliance on the offices of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker for financial support. During an orientation session for the 12th Parliament, Mr. Tayebwa implored lawmakers not to perceive parliamentary leadership as a source of personal funds, likening the expectation to treating these offices as “moving ATMs.”
Mr. Tayebwa described the constant pressure for handouts as detrimental to the functioning of Parliament. He shared personal experiences of feeling compelled to acquire significant sums of money, stating, “If I don’t have Shs10 million or Shs20 million, I don’t enter the office.” He stressed that MPs receive their own salaries and should manage their finances accordingly, rather than expecting presiding officers to be personally responsible for their financial well-being.
These remarks come as Mr. Tayebwa begins his second term as Deputy Speaker. He noted that previous practices of the former Speaker, Anita Among, involving generous donations, might have fostered unsustainable expectations among legislators. Mr. Tayebwa suggested that his own contributions, sometimes reaching Shs10 million, were difficult to sustain and could necessitate diverting funds meant for other parliamentary purposes.
Looking ahead, the Deputy Speaker indicated plans to implement a more transparent and structured support system for MPs. This new approach aims to ensure equitable benefit for all legislators, irrespective of their ability to directly access parliamentary leaders, thereby fostering objectivity and clarity in resource distribution.
Mr. Tayebwa also pledged to uphold fairness in managing parliamentary proceedings, ensuring equal treatment for all members regardless of their political affiliation or personal relationships. This commitment seeks to foster a more professional and objective environment within the House.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)