Parliament’s Budget Committee has turned down a request for Shs10 billion allocated to construct the National Planning Authority (NPA) House. The committee urged the government to prioritize the utilization of the previously acquired Bwebajja Hotel for housing its entities, instead of renting private premises.
During the scrutiny of budget allocations for the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development in the 2024/2025 financial year, Members of Parliament expressed concern about the lack of progress in refurbishing the Bwebajja facility along Entebbe Road, which the government had acquired. Hon. Elijah Okupa voiced his worries about the facility’s deterioration, emphasizing the need for the government to update Parliament on its remodeling plans.
The rejection occurred during a joint meeting between the Budget Committee and the Committee on Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. Hon. Amos Kankunda, the finance committee chairperson, presented a report on the National Budget Framework Paper for the finance ministry.
MPs emphasized the importance of assessing vacant government-owned facilities before approving budgets for new constructions. Hon. Geofrey Ekanya highlighted the need to scrutinize funds allocated for constructing new offices, suggesting that government-owned facilities with available space should be considered before approving the NPA’s request.
Legislators underscored the significance of prudent financial management, given the escalating public debt burden and low domestic revenue generation. The ministry’s quarterly debt report as of September 2023 revealed an increase in the public debt burden, raising concerns among lawmakers.
Additionally, the Budget Committee questioned the government’s priorities, particularly allocating funds for fencing, titling, and surveying privately run industrial parks at Shs6 billion. Hon. Michael Bayigga raised concerns about the proposed Shs55.96 billion for recruiting 1,278 staff at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), urging an investigation into the alleged illegal recruitment of 600 staff through “blind recruitment.”
