Attention has turned to the National Library (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in a today’s session of the Parliament of Uganda, which seeks to restructure the management and functions of the National Library of Uganda. Under the proposed amendment, the responsibilities and operations currently overseen by the National Library will be transferred to the Ministry of Education and Sports. Historically, the National Library has operated as a subvention under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, but this bill aims to reallocate its management to the Ministry of Education and Sports.
According to the report of the Committee on Education and Sports, as presented by Chairperson Hon. John Twesigye, the proposed transfer of the National Library’s functions will result in significant cost savings for the government. It is estimated that in the Financial Year 2024/2025, approximately Ugx 1.28 Billion will be saved, followed by an estimated Ugx 1.622 Billion in the Financial Year 2025/26. These savings are expected to be achieved through reductions in the wage bill and personnel-related costs associated with the management of the National Library.
Following the presentation of the committee’s report, a brief debate ensued among Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding the merits and potential implications of the National Library (Amendment) Bill, 2024. After considering various perspectives and arguments, MPs have collectively reviewed and deliberated on the proposed bill. The consensus reached is to proceed with the legislation, which will ultimately house the National Library of Uganda as a department within the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The decision to transfer the management of the National Library to the Ministry of Education and Sports reflects broader efforts to streamline government operations and optimize resource allocation. By consolidating the oversight of the National Library under the Ministry responsible for education and sports, policymakers aim to enhance coordination, efficiency, and effectiveness in the management of educational and cultural resources.
