By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
Parliament has approved a Shs4 trillion supplementary budget to finance key national projects, including road construction, security, and infrastructure development for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, some allocations have sparked controversy, Parrots Media Reporter, Leonard Kamugisha Akida has the details.
The supplementary budget, approved under Expenditure Schedule No.3 for the 2024/2025 financial year, includes Shs1.1 trillion spent under the three percent legal limit of the Public Finance Management Act. The remaining Shs3.1 trillion required Parliament’s approval.
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi defended the expenditure, saying it aligns with legal provisions.
“We sought and obtained Cabinet approval to present this House with a supplementary budget exceeding the three percent limit. This requires parliamentary authorization before funds can be used,” Musasizi argued.
A significant portion of Shs257 billion is earmarked for completing Hoima Stadium, Akii Bua Stadium, and other AFCON-related upgrades. The budget also includes:
- Shs60 billion for anti-tick vaccine rollout under NARO.
- Shs10 billion for aflatoxin mitigation products.
- Shs725 billion for the Umeme buyout.
- Shs60 billion for Inspire Africa to support coffee production and marketing.
Minister Musasizi said the budget will be funded through the Petroleum Fund, local revenue, non-tax revenue, and borrowing.
However, the approval was not without opposition. Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda questioned a Shs298 billion allocation for Lubowa Hospital debt servicing, citing an Auditor General’s report on the project’s financial risks.
“There is a significant risk of financial loss if additional funding is allocated. Parliament should halt this funding until an audit is completed,” Ssemujju said.
Ssemujju also raised concerns over funds allocated for Atiak Sugar Factory and a coffee value addition park in Ntungamo.
Meanwhile, Hon. Denis Oguzu Lee criticized the Umeme buyout, saying the company has already recovered its costs through tariffs.
“Umeme’s concession is expiring, yet they still demand money from Ugandans. This matter has not been logically resolved,” he said.
The Deputy Chairperson of the National Economy Committee, Hon. Robert Migadde, revealed that the Ministry of Energy has not submitted an audit report explaining its US$190 million loan request for the Umeme buyout.
Despite concerns, Speaker Anita Among clarified that approving the supplementary budget does not affect pending loan requests still under review.
As the government moves forward with funding allocations, questions remain over financial accountability and the long-term impact of these expenditures.
