Members of Parliament have raised concerns after receiving Shs300 million each as a vehicle allowance, saying the amount was lower than the Shs315 million they expected.

The funds were reportedly deposited directly into the accounts of legislators, including ex-officio members, but the payment sparked debate after MPs noticed a Shs15 million difference between the amount received and the figure they had anticipated.

Several lawmakers questioned why they had not received the full amount reportedly approved by the Parliamentary Commission for the car grant.

The matter reportedly became a topic of discussion among MPs on their WhatsApp platform, with some legislators seeking clarification from the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesigwa.

One MP questioned why the approved figure had not been fully released, saying members were expecting the full allocation.

“We were expecting Shs315 million as per the Commission’s resolution. Why have we instead been paid Shs300 million? Where is the balance of Shs15 million per MP?” the legislator asked.

Another lawmaker called for an explanation from Parliament, arguing that the difference involves public funds and should be clearly accounted for.

“Hon. Clerk, can you clarify to us why we have been shortchanged by Shs15 million? The budget clearly provided for Shs315 million. This is taxpayers’ money and we need transparency,” another MP reportedly wrote.

The MPs said they wanted clarity on whether the missing amount was withheld for any reason or whether there was a change in the approved allocation.

If the reported Shs315 million was the official allocation per legislator, the Shs15 million difference for each MP would translate into billions of shillings across the entire Parliament.

The vehicle grant is intended to help legislators acquire cars to support their official duties, including movements within their constituencies and other parliamentary responsibilities.

The payment was made to members of the 12th Parliament as part of the benefits and facilitation provided to lawmakers.

However, Parliament had not issued a public explanation regarding the difference between the expected amount and the money that was actually deposited into MPs’ accounts.

The issue has attracted attention outside Parliament, with members of the public questioning the cost of the parliamentary car grant.

Critics have argued that large government expenditures should be balanced with urgent national priorities such as healthcare, education, roads and other public services.

Supporters of the grant, however, maintain that MPs require proper facilitation to effectively carry out their constitutional duties across the country.

The controversy comes at a time when public discussions about government spending and accountability continue to grow.

Some observers have called on the Parliamentary Commission to provide a detailed breakdown of the allocation to clear doubts among legislators and the public.

The MPs are now waiting for communication from the Clerk to Parliament and the Parliamentary Commission explaining the reason behind the Shs15 million difference.

Until an official explanation is provided, questions will continue to surround the reported balance and how the funds were handled.

The matter has once again placed parliamentary allowances under public scrutiny, with many Ugandans demanding greater transparency in the management of public resources.