Migereko reflects on life in Parliament, life in retirement

_________________

Daudi Mpabulungi Migereko represented Butembe County, Jinja district in Parliament from 1996 to 2016. He was in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party government as a Cabinet minister in several portfolios. He spoke to Charles Etukuri on his life in Parliament, challenges faced, life in retirement and how best the new Members of Parliament can overcome financial woes.

Q:

A new report authored by the Uganda Network of Business has highlighted the plight of MPs and some of these include financial insecurity, inadequate pension and lack of transition support. What is your take on this?

A:

This issue is prevalent in our society. However, it's important to note that many former Members of Parliament (MPs) struggle financially. This situation often arises from their backgrounds. Some MPs are ill-prepared for their roles and to these positions with a near-celebrity status that creates significant financial demands. They often lack the knowledge to manage these demands and pressures effectively. As a result, many face financial stress during and after their term of office.

Several countries, including Uganda to a limited extent, have established mentorship programmes aimed at individuals identified as potential leaders or those groomed for leadership roles. These programmes prepare young leaders by educating them on essential topics such as leadership skills, national priorities, resource mobilisation, the responsibilities associated with leadership positions, rewarding investment ventures, safe investment portfolios and products, and advice on avoiding unsustainable lifestyles and habits. Additionally, these programmes address coping with peer pressure. We should be more intentional about similar initiatives for our MPs.

Pensions are often insufficient due to several factors:

(a) The desire to maintain the lifestyle that MPs are used to.

(b) The number of individuals, families, and social networks that continue to depend on the MP even after they no longer receive an MP’s salary.

(c) Many individuals do not qualify for health insurance as they age, yet expensive chronic illnesses become more prevalent once MPs have left office.

(d) Many are considered no longer employable, leaving them without additional sources of income to supplement their modest pension payments.

Many individuals leave Parliament after facing electoral defeat, which can be a devastating financial experience. Today's elections demand significant financial investment, often leading candidates to exhaust their savings and liquidate family assets to fund their campaigns. The repercussions of losing re-election can be catastrophic for many.

Unfortunately, there are currently no structured systems to support these individuals or leverage their proven track records, expertise, and extensive networks. This lack of support undermines their potential contribution and squanders the valuable knowledge, experience and contacts they have accumulated over time.

You are one of the few MPs who, even after leaving politics, are still doing well. How were you able to manoeuvre through this?

I must thank President [Yoweri] Museveni for appointing me to serve as a minister in his government, hence serving Uganda and NRM. Also, thank the people of Butembe for the opportunity they gave me to serve as their Member of Parliament for 20 years.

Doing well is subjective, and success often requires careful early planning, particularly regarding retirement. I believe in living modestly, prioritising hard work and frugality as my guiding principles. Whenever opportunities arise, I look out for potential business ventures. However, I am presently in dire need of support for some investment projects that are crucial not only for my businesses but also for the betterment of my community and country.

How were you able to carry the burden of supporting yourself after you had lost your MP seat?

It has not been easy, but moving on and restoring oneself is sometimes an excellent opportunity to rediscover oneself and focus on other critical personal projects. That said, once a leader, always a leader. It is important to continue contributing to the public good, which offers the greatest joy and fulfilment. It is essential to be there and remain helpful, continue looking for productive ventures, work hard, and avoid wasteful expenditures. Lastly, be real to yourself.

Former minister Migereko.

There is the question of monetisation of politics. How best can this be resolved?

Reflecting on my early days in politics, I remember when securing a seat didn’t hinge on financial backing. My community believed in my ability to represent them, and campaigns were genuine conversations and concern about the changes we could bring to people's lives. Unfortunately, a system where money talks louder than voices has overshadowed that sense of connection. We must reclaim that, empowering voters to hold politicians accountable and collaborate to shape our shared future.

Political parties should be more than just names; they must be compelled to publicise and discuss their ideologies, ideas, and manifestos. The public and candidates must understand what they stand for, nationally and regionally, as well as in the broader context of Africa. Determination of political leadership must be based on real issues and cultivate an environment where community aspirations take centre stage. This will shift the emphasis from monetisation.

In this context, political parties play a vital role in shaping the future of our electoral landscape through mentorship. These parties can create a more dynamic and fairer political arena by actively identifying and sponsoring promising candidates for various elective offices. Imagine a system where clear and transparent criteria are established for selecting flag-bearers—criteria that every party adheres to without exception.

If we achieve this, we are likely to see a significant shift: candidates will no longer feel pressured to compete solely on personal merit or resort to costly tactics. Instead, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable political environment where genuine talent, ability and vision take centre stage.

How best should the question of MPs' pensions be handled?

The pension we get is modest and needs regular reviews and adjustments to better align with the country's rising cost of living and other financial challenges. Relying solely on the pension cheque may not fully support the needs of former MPs. Therefore, it is important to explore additional sources of income and ensure access to health insurance and affordable medical programs.

How best should a new MP handle his affairs to ensure he remains afloat and viable?

I believe it is crucial to steer clear of lifestyles and habits that are expensive and unsustainable.

When it comes to an MP's actual work, it cannot simply be a symbolic presence. It is crucial to be well-informed and to engage in research to make a meaningful contribution on the floor of the House. This preparation helps in gaining visibility, recognition, and viability. Those who are well-prepared tend to attract attention and are more likely to be heard.

Parliament serves as a melting pot of ideas and networks. Seizing the opportunity to create or join discussion groups that aim to generate solutions for the urgent issues of the day in Parliament, within the country, and across the Great Lakes region can be rewarding. This fosters the establishment of a dependable support network among colleagues for exchanging ideas, seeking guidance, and collaborating on projects and programs.

I encourage MPs to take a keen interest in legislation that supports the private sector and local content to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and provide opportunities for both MPs and others during and after retirement.

There is the question of medical bills. How best should this be handled?

Medical bills for oneself, family members, and dependents are a significant financial burden for many former MPs. It is important to enrol your family in a good medical insurance scheme. Additionally, don’t miss out on annual medical wellness clinics, which are crucial for the early detection and prevention of emerging diseases. That said, we must seriously consider investing in improving our health services and enabling large populations to access health insurance.

How best can the former MPs who have great experience but have either lost elections or opted to retire, be used by Government?

With their proven skills and impressive track records, the government has a fantastic opportunity to leverage their expertise in various ways. By bringing them on as consultants, appointing them to boards, or engaging them as lobbyists, we can tap into their valuable insights. Additionally, we could share their knowledge with other countries, fostering international collaboration. Ultimately, supporting these individuals not only enhances private sector performance but also drives innovation and growth in our economy.

Our former MPs represent a valuable national asset with a great wealth of experience. The country has invested significantly in them as leaders and experts on both national and regional stages. By tapping into their unique areas of expertise, we can assign them meaningful roles locally, regionally, and within international organisations.

With the right support, former MPs could expand their businesses to produce goods and offer services that cater to our growing domestic, regional, and international markets. The Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa, in particular, present exciting opportunities for growth and collaboration. However, navigating foreign markets often necessitates government backing to help pave the way for successful competition. Let us harness this potential and turn it into a driving force for progress!