Kyadondo East Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulanyi famously known as Bobi Wine has condemned fellow legislators who supported the idea of raising their [MPS] allowances by 40 per cent.
The parliamentarians took the decision this week citing rising costs of living. They said Shs6m monthly, alongside untaxed allowances, are depleted through constituents’ requests, leaving them on the edge.
However, posting on his Facebook page on Friday, Bobi Wine said it was very wrong for his colleagues to think of themselves and not the many ordinary Ugandans who work so hard and yet earn so little amidst the tough economic conditions.
“If the MPs who earn well can claim to feel pressed by tough economic conditions, why should they press the common person with very high taxes and other burdens?” the musician turned politician wondered.
“Our call has been that there is fairness in all aspects of public service including payments for public servants- teachers, health workers, police officers and soldiers, etc. It will be recalled that in 1997, President Museveni said that “It is criminal for Members of Parliament to earn Shs4 million when the Primary teacher is earning Shs70,000 per month.” What a sad irony to see the current state of affairs.”
Bobi Wine further said that the particular presentation was made while he was under house arrest.
“This particular presentation was made while I was under house arrest, but even if I and other like minded MPs were in the House, these things would still pass because as we all know, the NRM has a large majority in the House and can therefore pass anything in that Parliament. That is why I always say that it has been turned into a talk show. Our struggle therefore includes ensuring that we get leaders who care for the people and not just about themselves. Banange, tulina okwebelelamu. Our problems will end when we realise that politics is such a serious business to be left to politicians.”
Meanwhile, Article 85 of the Constitution states that MPs are entitled to determine their emoluments, a privilege no other public officials enjoy.
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