Government Bosses with Substantial CSR Budgets Revealed

It has come to light that besides the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, numerous other government officials have considerable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) allocations, as uncovered by this publication.

This discovery has drawn public attention amidst an ongoing online campaign on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), known as #UgandaParliamentExhibition, shedding light on parliament’s financial activities.

The Speaker’s involvement in high finance has garnered particular scrutiny.

One key issue raised is the transfer of funds to personal accounts of certain parliament staff for activities labeled Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under Speaker Anita Among’s purview.

CSR involves companies not only aiming to increase profits but also actively engaging in positive social endeavors.

It is closely associated with the concept of corporate citizenship.

Beyond the Speaker’s office, other government institutions also possess substantial CSR budgets.

President Museveni advised these institutions, including parliament, to allocate a specific budget for fundraising under CSR arrangements, rather than direct involvement in every fundraising activity.

Following the President’s directive, numerous public offices now boast significant budgets for CSR and community outreach programs.

For instance, the Speaker’s office receives an allocation of Shs 3.6 billion.

State House is allocated Shs 59 billion annually for community outreach programs, which is often depleted before additional funding is provided by parliament.

The President himself spends Shs. 77 billion, while the Vice President, Prime Minister, Government Chief Whip, Deputy Speaker, and other officials also have substantial allocations.

Sources reveal that CSR funds are typically dispensed in cash due to the unavailability of anticipated recipients in the government’s electronic payment system, EFMIS.

These funds are distributed to various beneficiaries, including churches, women’s groups, and individuals, most of whom are not listed on IFMIS.

The nature of beneficiaries and their inclusion in government financial systems like EFMIS poses a challenge, necessitating cash disbursement.

Parliament staff withdraw the funds from the bank on behalf of the Speaker and distribute them in cash to various beneficiaries, with meticulous accounting procedures in place.

Beneficiaries under the Speaker’s CSR budget primarily include churches, mosques, schools, and women’s groups.

These CSR allocations, often referred to as cash bonanzas, have reportedly benefited over 300 MPs, who occasionally raise personal and constituency-related financial matters.

All CSR funds allocated to various government entities undergo similar processes, highlighting a broader pattern of expenditure within the government’s CSR framework.

CSR Budget Allocations for Government Officials