Uganda’s 1.1 Trillion Shilling Supplementary Budget Sparks Controversy

The Ugandan government’s request for a supplementary budget of 1.1 trillion shillings has ignited a heated debate among Members of Parliament. The allocation of funds, especially with just one month left in the financial year, has raised eyebrows and skepticism.

The proposed budget breakdown reveals significant allocations to various sectors, with the State House receiving a substantial amount for classified recurrent expenditure. However, specific allocations, such as the DEI Pharmaceuticals bailout and the Uganda Martyrs Day celebration, have faced criticism for their questionable returns on investment.

Opposition MPs, led by Shadow Finance Minister Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, have raised concerns about the government’s priorities and the potential influence of political pressure on budget approvals. They question the legitimacy of these “unforeseen emergencies” and whether the funds could have been managed within existing budgets more effectively.

The approval of this supplementary budget is expected to be a contentious issue in Parliament, with the government needing to justify the timing and purpose of these additional expenses. The debate will center on whether these allocations truly represent sound financial priorities for the nation and if they are necessary at this late stage of the fiscal year. Stay tuned as this story unfolds in the coming days.