Elias Luyimbazi Nalukola, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, was officially sworn in on March 26, 2025, marking the start of his parliamentary duties. Despite taking his oath just four days before the end of the month, Nalukola is set to receive his full March salary and allowances, amounting to Shs 55 million. In addition, he will be granted Shs 300 million before the month ends to purchase a new vehicle, a standard benefit for all Members of Parliament.

The announcement was made by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among during Nalukola’s swearing-in ceremony. She directed the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, to ensure that the new MP receives all his entitlements without delay. “The Clerk to Parliament is directed to provide Nalukola with all his privileges as a Member of Parliament with immediate effect,” Among stated. “This includes a new car to facilitate his movement while carrying out his representation duties for the people of Kawempe North.”

Nalukola’s election has been met with enthusiasm from his constituents, who are hopeful that he will address their concerns and push for development in Kawempe North. His swearing-in comes after a competitive election process, and his supporters believe he will bring positive change to the area. The immediate release of his salary and car grant ensures that he can begin his work without financial constraints, allowing him to focus on serving the people who elected him.

The Shs 55 million salary and allowances for March reflect the standard remuneration package for Ugandan MPs, which includes a basic salary, housing allowance, and other benefits. The additional Shs 300 million car grant is part of a long-standing parliamentary policy aimed at enabling lawmakers to acquire vehicles suitable for their official duties. This provision is intended to ensure that MPs can travel efficiently within their constituencies and to parliamentary sessions without transportation challenges.

Critics, however, have questioned the timing of the payments, given that Nalukola was sworn in with only a few days remaining in March. Some argue that prorating his salary for the days he will actually serve would be more appropriate. Others have raised broader concerns about the high cost of maintaining Uganda’s Parliament, which includes salaries, allowances, and benefits for over 500 MPs. Supporters of the current system, however, maintain that these resources are necessary for MPs to perform their duties effectively.

For Nalukola, the immediate access to his salary and car grant means he can hit the ground running. Constituents in Kawempe North have high expectations, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and job creation. Many are counting on him to advocate for their needs in Parliament and to ensure that government programs reach the local community.

During his swearing-in, Nalukola expressed gratitude to the people of Kawempe North for their trust and pledged to work diligently on their behalf. “I am honored to serve as your representative, and I will not take this responsibility lightly,” he said. “My focus will be on delivering tangible results and ensuring that your voices are heard in Parliament.”

The Speaker’s directive to fast-track Nalukola’s benefits underscores Parliament’s commitment to supporting new MPs as they transition into their roles. The car grant, in particular, is seen as crucial for enabling lawmakers to navigate their often large constituencies, attend meetings, and engage with voters.

As Nalukola begins his term, all eyes will be on his performance and his ability to translate his campaign promises into action. The people of Kawempe North are eager to see progress, and the new MP’s first steps—including how he utilizes his car grant and allocates his resources—will be closely watched.

For now, the focus remains on his immediate priorities, which include setting up his office, hiring staff, and familiarizing himself with parliamentary procedures. With his salary and car grant secured, Nalukola has the financial backing to start his work in earnest. The coming months will reveal whether he can meet the expectations of his constituents and make a meaningful impact in Uganda’s Parliament.

The story of Nalukola’s swearing-in and immediate benefits highlights both the privileges and responsibilities of being an MP in Uganda. While the financial packages are generous, they come with significant public scrutiny and high demands from voters. For Nalukola, the real test begins now—as he works to prove that he is worth the investment.