Parliament is pushing for an additional Shs5 billion in the next financial year to expand medical insurance for older lawmakers, a move that has sparked debate both inside and outside the House.
The proposal targets Members of Parliament aged above 75, a group that is currently not fully covered under the existing medical insurance scheme.
At the moment, Parliament provides health insurance for MPs below 65, but leaders now want to extend that support to cover older legislators as well.
Officials say the request is driven by a changing reality—more senior citizens are serving in Parliament than before. This includes representatives specifically elected to speak for older persons, increasing the need for more comprehensive healthcare support.
While presenting the Parliamentary Commission’s budget, Deputy Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, John Teira, explained that the additional funding would help meet rising medical demands among older MPs. The plan also includes provision for emergency treatment abroad, which can be costly and time-sensitive.
Speaker Anita Among backed the proposal, arguing that some medical situations cannot wait for the often slow government referral process. She pointed to cases where legislators have needed urgent evacuation for specialised treatment outside the country, warning that delays in such situations can put lives at risk.
But not everyone in Parliament agrees.
Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda opposed the plan, saying the money could be better spent improving Uganda’s public health system. He argues that investing in facilities like Mulago National Referral Hospital would benefit millions of Ugandans, rather than a small group of leaders.
