The Internal Security Organisation (ISO) has asked Parliament for an additional Shs218 billion in the 2026/27 financial year to strengthen intelligence collection, upgrade cyber infrastructure and monitor the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The request was presented by ISO Deputy Director for Budget, Martha Banura, while appearing before the Presidential Affairs Committee chaired by Alex Byarugaba to defend the organisation's National Budget Framework Paper.
Banura said ISO's top priority is enhanced intelligence collection, which requires Shs195 billion, yet the proposed allocation for 2026/27 stands at only Shs118 billion, leaving a funding gap of Shs76.9 billion.
She added that the organisation needs Shs51 billion to improve technical intelligence and cyber infrastructure but has been allocated only Shs2.5 billion, creating a shortfall of Shs49.06 billion.
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Banura further told MPs that ISO requires a recurrent budget of Shs23 billion to support its role in monitoring PDM operations, but no funds have been allocated for this activity, leaving the programme entirely unfunded.
However, lawmakers questioned ISO's involvement in overseeing PDM, citing persistent allegations of corruption and bribery in the distribution of the funds.
Benjamin Kamukama, the Ruhama County MP, said reports from communities indicate that beneficiaries are being forced to pay bribes to access PDM money.
"We have been in campaigns and interacting with the people. There is a lot of corruption. People are paying Shs200,000 to get Shs1 million," Kamukama said.
He questioned why ISO has not effectively intervened, particularly in districts such as Ntungamo, despite widespread complaints.
"People are really suffering. They don't know where to report. Why isn't ISO picking this information and reporting it to where it should be reported?" he asked.
In response, ISO Director for Finance and Logistics, Ken Tumwebaze, said the organisation's reporting structure differs from that of other government agencies.
"Our reporting is mainly to the President or as directed. Other agencies report to all interested stakeholders. We are reporting, but because you are not privy to our information, you may not know whether it is there or not," Tumwebaze said.
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Kamukama rejected the explanation, accusing ISO of failing to act decisively on corruption in PDM.
"Wherever you are reporting, we don't see action. We want action on the ground. That is when we shall know that ISO and DISOs are doing their work, because people are still paying between Shs100,000 and Shs200,000," he said.
