Parliamentary aspirants need sh465m to compete - report

Oct 28, 2020

Experts argue that for the forthcoming 2021 general election, the cost of seeking parliamentary office will double.

2021 ELECTIONS POLITICS

KAMPALA - For one to contest for a parliamentary seat in the country, he or she needs at least sh465m to run a campaign.

The revelation was made on Wednesday during the presentation of a report on the impact of the cost of politics on inclusive political participation in Uganda.

Norbert Mao, the President General of the Democratic Party (DP)

According to the report, political contenders for MP seats in Central need sh489m, those in Eastern region need sh315m, Northern sh384m while their counterparts in the Western region spend about sh570m on average.

The report, which was launched at Hotel Africana in Kampala, analysed campaign financing in the 2016 general elections.

Justice Forum (JEEMA) President, Asuman Basalirwa and Jimmy Akena, the President, Uganda People's Congress at the launch

Experts argue that for the forthcoming 2021 general election, the cost of seeking parliamentary office will double.

Panel discussion: (L-R) DP president Norbert Mao, Henry Muguzi (ACFIM), Asuman Basalirwa (JEEMA), Mercy Kobusingye (NYC) and Mugisha Muntu (ANT)

The launch was attended by several Politicians including Gen Mugisha Muntu, the president of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) party, Norbert Mao, the President General of the Democratic Party (DP), Justice Forum (JEEMA) President, Asuman Basalirwa, Jimmy Akena, the President, Uganda People's Congress and many others.