The Speaker of the 11^th Parliament, Anita Annet Among has handed over five brand new cars to former Speakers of Parliament, and the fuel cost, maintenance and drivers’ salaries are to be taken care of by the government.

Among, while handing over the cars to the recipients at Parliament on December 18, 2023, said that, all the necessary costs on the cars will be the government’s responsibility, but they will be required to bring their own drivers, who will in turn be recruited as Parliamentary staff.

“Parliament will pay your driver, the car remains the property of the government of Uganda, and maintenance carried out by parliament,” Among said.

Edward Rugumayo, Edward Ssekandi, Al Haji Moses Kigongo, Francis Butagira and Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga are the former Speakers who have been given cars.

She said that, however, after every five years, the beneficiaries will bring the vehicles back and will be replaced with new ones, or can be replaced in between should that vehicle get a problem. She reminded them that, the vehicles received are a property of Uganda’s government, adding that, they need to be taken care of.

The Speaker noted that, it is very vital for people to be appreciated when still alive, especially when they played a fundamental role for the country.

“As the 11^th Parliament, we thought it wise to appreciate you when you are still alive,” Among noted.

This follows Parliament’s enactment of the Parliamentary Pensions Act expanded beneficiaries to include all Speakers who served Uganda since 1979 and thus entitling; President Museveni-Chairman of NRC 1986-1996, Edward Rugumayo-Speaker and Chairman NCC from 1979-19 80, Francis Butagira-1980-1985, Al Haji Moses Kigongo-Vice Chairman NRC 1986-1996, Edward Ssekandi-1998-2001 Deputy Speaker and Speaker of 7^th and 8^th Parliament, to these cars every five years.