Finance Ministry Releases UGX 15.9 Trillion for October-December

The Ministry of Finance has released UGX 15.9 trillion to fund government operations for the second quarter of the financial year 2024/25. This amount represents 22.2% of the approved budget of UGX 72.137 trillion for the fiscal year. The funds are allocated to cover expenditures from October to December 2024, with the distribution based on quarterly work plans and procurement strategies submitted by ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Finance Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, emphasized that the release took into account projected revenue inflows. The allocation comprises UGX 3.7 trillion for non-wage recurrent expenses, which include pensions and local government funding, and UGX 4.5 trillion for development projects.

Out of the non-wage recurrent budget, UGX 281.73 billion has been allocated for pensions and gratuities, while UGX 145.32 billion has been directed towards local governments. Public universities, including the Uganda Management Institute and the Law Development Centre, received UGX 103.32 billion in line with their academic calendar. Examination boards, such as the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) and the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB), were allocated UGX 37.37 billion to meet their operational needs.

In support of vulnerable groups, the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development received UGX 48.9 billion to fund Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE). Additionally, health institutions across the country benefited from the release, with Mulago and Butabika Referral Hospitals receiving UGX 36.97 billion. The Uganda Cancer Institute and Uganda Heart Institute were allocated UGX 19.93 billion and UGX 7.17 billion, respectively, while the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services was allocated UGX 4.14 billion. The Ministry of Health received UGX 21.85 billion to pay salaries for medical interns, while the National Medical Stores (NMS) was given UGX 299.74 billion to procure essential medicines and drugs.

Security institutions also received substantial funding, with the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs getting UGX 307.26 billion. The Uganda Police Force was allocated UGX 64.56 billion, Uganda Prisons Services UGX 56.50 billion, Internal Security Organization UGX 28.08 billion, and External Security Organization UGX 23.4 billion to support their operations.

The Ugandan Parliament received UGX 251.52 billion to cover its expenses for the quarter, while the judiciary was allocated UGX 73.15 billion. The Auditor General’s office received UGX 13.48 billion. Funding also extended to key agencies responsible for generating revenue and ensuring regulatory compliance. The National Citizenship and Immigration Control received UGX 67.07 billion, while the Uganda Registration Services Bureau was given UGX 13.26 billion. Other agencies, such as the National Lotteries and Gaming Board (UGX 2.39 billion), National Environment Management Authority (UGX 12.34 billion), and Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UGX 11.75 billion), were also included in the allocation.

Permanent Secretary Ggoobi underscored the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation, balancing public spending with economic stability. He called on all accounting officers to prioritize the timely payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, and to display payrolls publicly on notice boards to ensure transparency. He emphasized that payments should be made by the 28th day of each month, and that service providers should be paid on time to avoid the accumulation of arrears and penalties.

In addition to ensuring timely payments, Ggoobi warned against unauthorized recruitment of personnel without clearance from the Ministry of Public Service. He stated that no hiring should take place without confirmation that funds are available to cover the wages. Similarly, promotions and redeployments within the civil service must be accompanied by adequate wage provisions.

To ensure accountability, Ggoobi instructed accounting officers to submit quarterly performance reports within the timelines required by law. He also directed them to submit expenditure warrants to the Ministry of Finance by October 18, 2024, for approval.

Table: Key Allocations in UGX 15.9 Trillion Release