Parliament granted approval for a supplementary budget of Shs3.5 trillion, addressing diverse areas within the government such as State House, the President’s Office, and the Ministry of Health.
Key Allocations:
| Sector | Allocation |
|---|---|
| State House – Classified | Shs441.3bn |
| Support for Artists SACCO | Shs13bn |
| Census preparation shortfall | Shs144bn |
| Munyonyo Convention Centre | Shs37bn |
| Uganda Broadcasting Corp (UBC) | Shs25bn |
| Renovation of National Mosque | Shs5bn |
| Compensation for vehicle inspection contract | Shs33Bn |
During the presentation of the motion, Minister of State for Finance, Henry Musasizi, explained that Shs1.9 trillion necessitated prior parliamentary approval, while Shs1.5 trillion remained within the 3 percent legal limit. The supplementary funding aimed to settle domestic obligations to the Central Bank, addressing a debt of Shs4.8 trillion owed by the government since the 2019/2020 financial year.
Committee Report Highlights:
Chairperson Patrick Isiagi detailed the allocation distribution. Notably, State House received Shs441.3 billion, the Office of the President got Shs26 billion for hosting international summits, and the Ministry of Finance obtained Shs44 billion, with Shs13 billion directed to supporting artists through the Microfinance Support Centre.
Education, Health, and Kingdom Compensation:
The Ministry of Education and Sports secured Shs55.7 billion, including Shs13.9 billion for Higher Education Students’ Financing Board. Additionally, Shs9.8 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Health to cover Pay as You Earn for Medical interns.
Compensation for properties of the Kingdoms of Buganda, Bunyoro, and Tooro was addressed under the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, receiving Shs10 billion, with Buganda Kingdom getting Shs3 billion, Bunyoro Shs4 billion, and Tooro Kingdom Shs3 billion.
Minority Concerns:
A minority report raised concerns about entities missing out on funding due to budget ceilings and questioned the need for an additional Shs441.3 billion for State House. Speaker Anita Among sought a commitment from the Minister of Finance to include funds for nursery bed operators in the Budget Framework Paper, with Minister Matia Kasaija pledging to address this in the 2024/2025 budget.
