Court bars MPs from hiking their pay

By Hillary Nsambu                               


THE Constitutional Court has stopped Members of Parliament (MPs) from increasing their emoluments without a Bill, motion or resolution originating from the Government.

The court unanimously declared on Monday that it is unconstitutional for the MPs to sit and increase their emoluments anyhow, since the resolution of the charge imposes a charge on the Consolidated Fund, which are public monies.

“The Constitution specifically bars Parliament from considering bills and or motions, which would include resolutions that impose a charge upon the Consolidated Fund or alteration of such existing charge other than by way of reduction. Emoluments of Members of Parliament are a charge upon that Fund,” the court ruled.  

Deputy Chief Justice and president of the Constitutional Court Steven Kavuma headed the coram. The other members were Justices Eldard Mwangusya, Richard Buteera, Prof Lillian Ekirikubinza-Tibatemwa and Frederick Egonda-Ntende.

Wilson Mwesigye, a concerned Ugandan, through Fred Mukasa Lugalambi and Advocates filed the petition in 2011 seeking multiple declarations and orders related to the powers of Parliament including determination of its emoluments.