By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has criticised the Government’s allocation of Shs10.21 trillion to the security, governance and rule of law sector in the 2026/27 financial year budget, saying the funds should have been directed towards sectors that directly impact citizens’ livelihoods.
Addressing journalists at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, on Monday, FDC deputy president for Western Uganda Robert Centenary said the budget was not designed to address the needs of ordinary Ugandans.
“This budget was not written for the ordinary Ugandan, but was made for the comfort of those in power,” Centenary said.
The Government allocated Shs10.21 trillion to security, governance and rule of law, a decision FDC described as disproportionate for a country that is not at war.
“This is a very disproportionate allocation for a country that is not at war. Apart from our foreign military adventures, which are done at will by the powers that be, Uganda has been fairly stable,” he said.
Centenary argued that sectors such as health, education and transport should have received greater attention, saying increased spending on security does not address the country’s economic challenges.
“Spending all this hefty amount of money on a non-critical broad sector of the economy is doing a disservice to Ugandans. Uganda is not at war with any foreign nation,” he said.
The party also criticised the increase in taxes on essential commodities, including cooking oil, fuel and second-hand clothes, saying the measures would worsen the burden on households already struggling with high living costs.
However, FDC welcomed the Shs8.79 trillion allocation to transport and infrastructure development, saying investment in the sector could support economic growth and job creation.
Centenary called for increased funding for community access roads, arguing that they play a critical role in connecting farmers and traders to markets.
The opposition party proposed increased allocations to key sectors, including health, education and agriculture. It called for at least 15% of the national budget to be allocated to health and education, and 10% to agriculture.
FDC also demanded increased funding for the National Medical Stores, recruitment of more health workers, improved school financing, a national school feeding programme and better support for smallholder farmers.
On debt management, the party urged Parliament to scrutinise government borrowing, warning that approving more loans without proper assessment could increase the country’s debt burden. Uganda’s public debt currently stands at UGX126 trillions, approximately USD34.86 billion with 33.6 trillion to be spent on debt servicing. FDC argues that these funds don’t generate any revenue to the country.
Centenary also called for amendments to the Finance Administration Act, arguing that allowing an outgoing government to prepare a budget that may be implemented by a new administration creates policy challenges.
“An incoming government may be required to implement a budget designed by its predecessor rather than one that reflects its own policies and priorities,” he said.
He described the 2026/27 budget as a “wishlist” dependent on borrowing and warned Ugandans to prepare for difficult economic times ahead.
“Do not be excited about anything in this budget. Brace yourselves for tough times ahead,” Centenary said.
