Former MPs want special attire to ease access to state functions
Speaking on July 11, 2026, Achilla said that, oftentimes, some of them had been denied entry to official functions at Kololo Independence Grounds by stewards until they were rescued by their well-known colleagues.
Former MPs want special attire to ease access to state functions
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A section of former lawmakers has asked authorities to provide them with distinctive ceremonial attire, saying it would help spare them the embarrassment they often face at public functions.
Former Jie County MP John Rex Achilla made the request on July 11, 2026, during the fifth annual general meeting (AGM) of the Association of Parliamentary Alumni of Uganda (PAU), which took place at Parliament's Conference Hall. PAU, which was founded seven years ago, is an umbrella body that brings together all former Members of Parliament (MPs).
Speaking on July 11, 2026, Achilla said that, oftentimes, some of them had been denied entry to official functions at Kololo Independence Grounds by stewards until they were rescued by their well-known colleagues.
He said the situation, besides being embarrassing, was emotionally draining, especially for their older counterparts.
“I would suggest that the new executive, probably, for purposes of recognition and dignity, so that we are not pushed. I sympathise because for me I am a bit strong because God has kept me up to what you see. I am not yet very tired. But I sympathise with colleagues who have really been here since the 5th Parliament and God has blessed them,” Achilla illustrated.
He added that their situation was starkly different from that of their retired counterparts in the army, who can easily be identified from a distance.
“The forces, I have admired, where once you are a general, you have worked, there is always an attire to identify you with your medals even if you have used grass to tie them around. But people will say yes, this is a real person,” he pointed out.
MP rues Kumi campaign rally
Some may imagine this is simply a made-up story. However, for former Kanyum County MP Ismail Orot, who served in the 10th Parliament, being overlooked at public functions has become a lived experience. The most recent case, he said, occurred during the 2026 presidential campaigns, when he claims he was given a cold shoulder.
“When President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was campaigning in Kumi, I went there as a former LC5 and former Member of Parliament, but nobody recognised. I sat there then, surprisingly, when the President went in Butebo district. For those who were following the TV, it was when he remembered to talk good of me. But in Kumi, where I had served for fifteen years as LC5, I was not recognised,” Orot disclosed.
Retention of official passports
He added that, if it were possible, he would prefer former MPs to retain their green official passports. Currently, former legislators are required to surrender the passports upon the expiry of their terms in office.
“Once you’re a Member of Parliament or honourable, you’re an honourable. Once an ambassador, you are an ambassador. So, your passport should remain as a former diplomat,” he argued.
However, former Oyam Woman MP Beatrice Lagada, who is the chairperson of the Citizenship and Immigration Board, sharply disagreed, saying Orot was unaware of the complications he was inviting for his colleagues.
“Do you know that I spent a night one time in Dubai Airport because whoever processed the visa had processed it normally like it was a normal passport. I never saw it until I got stuck in Dubai Airport and could not get out. I spent the night at the airport and came right back the following day. Yes. The inconvenience of those passports is not worth it, especially when you are not in those offices,” Lagada advised.
“Many non-Ugandans who have no business with red or green passports are holding them. Right now, as we are talking, in some countries when you go holding those passports, I can assure you they will give you a hard time. You will spend unnecessary time being investigated. So, let us be comfortable with our blue passports,” she submitted.
Other MPs speak out
When all is said and done, former Kitagwenda County MP and agriculture minister Dr Fabius Byaruhanga said their contribution to the country was not subject to debate.
Saying that as a young man he had participated in the liberation struggle that overthrew the late former President Gen. Idi Amin Dada's regime in 1979. But is rarely recognised at public functions that take place in his home district of Kitagwenda.
"How can a master of ceremonies fail to recognise me? To say that so and so is around, just that. I am not asking for a shilling from you. Many times, in fact even when the President comes to my area, it is he who recognises me. These people forget to recognise me," Byaruhanga admitted.
“This is a world we are in, but it requires a little fight. Although we are old, we need to ensure that our rights are given to us,” he concluded.
What others say
Animu Angupale (former Arua Woman MP): At public functions, my colleague said we find our ways; we don’t fit anywhere. Let us create space for ourselves through our organisation called PAU, and then the country will realise us because we are former MPs. When policies are being analysed, we can identify critical issues; they will look for us. But if we are going to keep quiet, chasing only Akasiimo, then they will look at us as if we are not valuable at all. Let us create value; we are leaders.