Parliament will start footing funeral expenses for former Members of Parliament. The announcement was made during the fourth annual general assembly of the Parliamentary Alumni Association, held at Parliament. According to a resolution reached at the gathering, government will now contribute Shs3.5 million towards funeral costs for any former MP who passes away.
The decision was confirmed by the Parliamentary Pensioners Association, a body representing legislators who served in Uganda’s first to tenth parliaments. While the new policy was met with appreciation, it has reignited frustration among retired lawmakers who say the government is still falling short of meeting their broader needs.
Many of the nearly 1,000 surviving members of the association—down from 1,114 due to the loss of 17 members in the past year—are elderly and battling health complications, limited insurance access, and unfulfilled promises made by the President over the years.
Their central demand is the urgent amendment of the Parliamentary Pensions Act to provide comprehensive medical coverage and more substantial retirement benefits. Currently, sitting MPs contribute 2% of their basic monthly salary—about Shs34,000 out of Shs7 million—towards a medical scheme intended to support them in retirement. Retired MPs argue that the contribution is far too small and provides little tangible benefit once they leave office.
At the meeting, association leaders urged the government to increase its share of responsibility, particularly in addressing the health and medical needs of retired lawmakers. They emphasized that providing a dignified farewell is appreciated, but supporting their health while still alive is even more critical.
