MPs Reject 'Yes/No' Poll on Pension Scheme's Commercial Building Investment

Members of Parliament have voiced strong objections to the Parliamentary Pension Scheme’s method of consulting contributors regarding a proposed investment in a commercial building. Instead of a simple “YES” or “NO” response via text message, the MPs are demanding full disclosure of the project’s financial and technical details.

Led by Kinkizi West MP Niringiyimana Kaberuka James Ruugi, a group of lawmakers expressed their concerns in a letter dated August 14, 2026. They find the text-based consultation approach “deeply concerning and, frankly, insulting to the intelligence and rights of members.” The MPs clarified they are not inherently against investing in commercial property but stressed that members need access to detailed assessments to make an informed decision.

Citing the Parliamentary Pensions Act and the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority Act, the MPs highlighted that investing members’ retirement savings is a fiduciary responsibility requiring due care and accountability. They believe such a critical decision cannot be responsibly reduced to a one-word answer, warning that this approach risks turning a serious investment decision into a popularity contest rather than a process guided by evidence and professional advice.

The lawmakers have outlined 15 categories of information they require, including the investment proposal, strategic justification, financial details, independent feasibility studies, projected income, valuation, market analysis, risks, and conflict-of-interest disclosures. They emphasized the need for adequate professional assessments before members can responsibly give their opinion.

Consequently, the MPs declined to participate in the SMS poll. They requested the Scheme’s management to provide the necessary technical and professional reports and to convene a meeting for a thorough discussion. They stressed that pension contributions, representing years of labor and future financial security, must be managed with the highest standards of prudence and transparency.

Source: Nile Post