Ugandan Minister Calls for Reduction in MPs' Salaries to Tackle Monetization of Politics

As the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party conducts its primary elections, marred by voter bribery, excessive campaign spending, and escalating political violence, State Minister for Investment and Privatization Evelyn Anite has warned that Uganda's politics has become a marketplace where candidates "throw away" millions just to secure votes. Anite, a senior NRM figure herself, noted that many sitting members of parliament have approached her seeking to sell property to finance campaigns, and that the high cost of contesting is unsustainable and harmful to democracy.

Key Takeaways:

• Anite called for a reduction in Members of Parliament's salaries to tackle the growing monetization of Ugandan politics.
• The primary elections have been marred by widespread reports of voter bribery, excessive campaign spending, and escalating political violence.
• Anite shared that several incumbent MPs had approached her seeking to sell property, including well-built homes, in order to finance campaigns.
• Anite emphasized that the high cost of contesting is unsustainable and harmful to democracy, with some candidates spending up to Shs600M in a single election day.
• Her comments follow increasing concern from civil society and party insiders that NRM's primaries have become a cash-fueled contest, with voters reportedly expecting handouts and candidates competing on who can spend the most.
• Anite dismissed suggestions that she was speaking from a place of comfort, citing her own concerns about the high cost of politics since her first check as a minister.

Statistics:

• Shs500M: Anite estimated that some candidates spend this amount in a single month.
• Shs600M: Anite reported that one candidate spent this amount on a single election day.
• 2026: Uganda is approaching the 2026 general elections, with Anite's remarks adding weight to growing calls for political and electoral reforms.

Sources:

• "The State Minister for Investment and Privatization, Evelyn Anite, has called for a reduction in Members of Parliament's salaries in a bid to tackle the growing monetisation of Ugandan politics." (Nile Post, Copyright 2025)
• "Anite, a senior NRM figure herself, warned that Uganda's politics has become a marketplace where candidates 'throw away' millions just to secure votes, often at great personal cost." (Nile Post, Copyright 2025)
• "As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, Anite's remarks have added weight to growing calls for political and electoral reforms aimed at restoring integrity, reducing violence, and curbing the influence of money in politics." (Nile Post, Copyright 2025)
• Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).