The ministries of foreign affairs and justice and constitutional affairs have appealed to Parliament for the release of their frozen funds allocated for travel abroad by the finance ministry. In response to the government’s blanket ban on foreign travel, workshops, and non-essential expenditures by civil servants, the affected ministries have highlighted the adverse impact of the freeze on their operations.
The foreign affairs ministry, under the leadership of Gen (rtd) Jeje Odongo, has emphasized the importance of reinstating funds totaling shillings 4.55 billion for travel abroad and shillings 11.65 billion for missions abroad. These funds are crucial for hosting/participating in joint permanent commissions (JPCs) with partner states, routine meetings, and the promotion of economic and commercial diplomacy.
According to a report from Parliament’s budget committee, the inability to engage in JPCs and other critical activities has strained Uganda’s bilateral relations and has negative implications for national security and development. Additionally, the foreign affairs ministry and missions abroad face limitations in participating in regional and international engagements under various international organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union.
In response to these concerns, Parliament has accepted the budget committee’s recommendation to release the frozen funds to support the core functions of the foreign affairs ministry. Similarly, the justice ministry, headed by Democratic Party President General Norbert Mao, has faced challenges due to a freeze on travel abroad for the past three financial years.
To address this issue, Parliament has agreed to reinstate the justice ministry’s budget of shillings one billion for travel abroad. This allocation is essential for facilitating the government’s representation in crucial meetings, including those of the East African Court of Justice and the East African Community.
