Henry Musasizi, the Minister of State for Finance responsible for General Duties, has reaffirmed the commitment of his ministry to facilitate the implementation of the policy on Rationalization of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure. Speaking before the Parliament Committee on Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Minister Musasizi emphasized the allocation of necessary resources to support the merger and rationalization of government agencies.
During the committee session held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, Minister Musasizi presented the Rationalization of Government Agencies (Financial Sector) (Amendment) Bill, 2024. This legislative proposal is part of a broader initiative aimed at streamlining government agencies and optimizing public expenditure.
The Bills presented by the Executive seek to enact necessary amendments to operationalize the merger of government agencies across various sectors. These include amendments to legislation governing the financial sector, education sector, internal affairs sector, natural resources and environment sector, as well as the works and transport sector.
The proposed rationalization of government agencies is driven by the objective of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery while eliminating redundancies and overlaps in functions. By consolidating and integrating various agencies, the government aims to optimize resources and improve service delivery to citizens.
Addressing concerns raised during the committee session, Minister Musasizi emphasized the importance of avoiding duplication of services and strengthening the core functions of ministries. He underscored the potential cost savings associated with rationalization, estimated to exceed one trillion Ugandan shillings, as highlighted by Government Chief Whip Dennis Hamson Obua.
The rationalization process is intended to streamline departments within ministries, eliminating duplication and enhancing coordination. Minister Musasizi reiterated the government’s commitment to prudent resource allocation and efficient governance practices in pursuit of national development goals.
The decision to rationalize government agencies follows previous efforts by Parliament to address inefficiencies and redundancies in the public sector. While acknowledging the importance of wider consultation, Speaker Anita Annet Among rejected calls for extensive deliberations, emphasizing the urgency of streamlining government operations.
The proposed merger of agencies, including entities like Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), National Forestry Authority (NFA), and Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority (UMRA), reflects a strategic approach to consolidating resources and improving service delivery. By aligning agency functions with ministry mandates, the government aims to enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency in governance.
