The Budget Committee has summoned officials from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation to explain why Shs46 billion allocated for innovation has remained unutilised for two consecutive financial years.

The move follows findings by the Parliamentary Committee on Presidential Affairs, which revealed that despite the government releasing the funds in the 2024/2025 financial year, the money remains idle in accounts held by the Uganda Development Bank.

According to the report, the funds were earmarked to support innovation projects, including research into anti-tick solutions considered critical in addressing tick-borne diseases affecting Uganda’s livestock sector.

However, by the time of the committee’s assessment, no funds had been disbursed to the intended beneficiaries.

“The committee observes the burden of tick-borne diseases in Uganda and the need for homegrown solutions to enable import substitution. But by the time of this report, no money had been received by the intended grantees,” said Alex Byarugaba, Chairperson of the Committee on Presidential Affairs, while presenting the report to the Budget Committee.

The report further indicates that Shs 25 billion in grants intended for anti tick research developers has remained unutilised for two years, raising alarm among legislators about inefficiencies within the ministry and delays in implementing key government priorities.

Members of Parliament expressed frustration over the continued inactivity of the funds, questioning accountability mechanisms and oversight within the ministry.

The Chairperson of the Budget Committee, Patrick Isiagi Opolot, described the situation as unacceptable and indicative of possible abuse of office.

“To say that money was received and never utilised amounts to abuse of office. Who is the accounting officer who receives funds for two years and sits on them?” he asked.

He also faulted the Committee on Presidential Affairs for not escalating the matter earlier to Parliament for decisive action.

Legislators called for stricter measures, including halting further funding to the ministry until accountability is ensured.

The committee has now directed officials from the science ministry to appear within a week to explain the continued non utilisation of the funds, warning that failure to justify the idle money could result in denial of future budget allocations.

However, Stephen Baka Mugabi, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, cautioned that the Budget Committee’s mandate is limited during the appropriation stage and advised that the matter be referred to the full House for comprehensive investigation and action.

The Budget Committee is currently scrutinising sectoral committee reports on ministerial budget projections for the 2026/2027 financial year.

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At the 101st Rotary District Conference in Entebbe, Vice President Jessica Alupo hailed Rotary District 9213 for delivering over Shs8 billion in community projects — while District Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule called on all sectors to unite in service.

Entebbe | April 16–18, 2026-The Government of Uganda has reaffirmed its recognition of Rotary as a strategic partner in national development, with Vice President Jessica Alupo leading the commendation at the Rotary District 9213 101st Annual Conference — #DISCON101 — held from April 16 to 18 at Imperial Resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe.

Speaking at the official opening, Alupo praised Rotary for its consistent and measurable impact across health, education, environmental conservation, and economic empowerment, describing the organisation as a vital complement to government’s own development agenda.

“As Government of Uganda, we want to commend Rotary for being a trusted and strategic partner in national development, complementing our efforts in delivering critical services, all of which are aligned to Uganda’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plans.”

— Vice President Jessica Alupo

Alupo noted that the core values of Rotary — Leadership, Integrity, and Service Above Self — mirror the principles that guide public service and national transformation. She expressed particular admiration for the financial and programmatic achievements of District 9213 this Rotary year.

A YEAR OF MEASURABLE IMPACT

District Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule reported that Rotary in Uganda had implemented projects worth over Shs8 billion during the current Rotary year alone, spanning health, education, youth empowerment, and economic development. The conference served, in part, as a moment to celebrate those gains and set the agenda for the year ahead.

Kitakule, who has led the district’s 137 clubs, more than 5,349 Rotarians, and over 3,173 Rotaractors across Uganda and Tanzania, has consistently framed the organisation’s work in deeply human terms.

“I’m honoured to serve as District Governor. This year, we’re uniting for good — working with communities and partners to create lasting change. Rotary’s core business is humanity — transforming the lives of the less fortunate.”

— Geofrey Martin Kitakule, District Governor, Rotary District 9213

Beyond the headline figure, the district mobilised over $1 million for The Rotary Foundation, enabling Global Grant projects valued at over $4.65 million — a demonstration, the Vice President noted, of Rotary’s capacity to leverage resources efficiently.

HEALTH PROGRAMMES AT THE CENTRE

Health remained the centrepiece of Rotary’s programming this year. Alupo specifically commended the Rotary Family Health Days, the Rotary Cancer Program, the Rotary Mama Toto Care Program, and ongoing efforts to establish a Bone Marrow Transplant Centre at the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC).

She acknowledged President Yoweri Museveni’s personal contribution of Shs3 billion to the Rotary Cancer Program — a gesture that, the Vice President said, reflects the government’s recognition of Rotary as a key partner in the national fight against cancer.

The Rotary Mama Toto Care initiative, spearheaded by Rotarian John Magezi and currently implemented across 14 districts, drew particular praise from the Vice President, who highlighted its direct alignment with the government’s goal to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.

“As a nation, we cannot achieve sustainable development without safeguarding the lives of mothers and children.”

— Vice President Jessica Alupo

Kitakule’s vision for health has been equally ambitious. The district’s record on polio immunisation — with over 3 million children vaccinated through Rotary’s partnerships — reflects his conviction that transformative change can be achieved at low cost.

“It only takes $1 to save a life.”

— Geofrey Martin Kitakule, on Rotary’s polio immunisation work

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS, INSPIRING SERVICE

The #DISCON101 conference was itself a statement of scale and ambition. Over 3,000 delegates attended from across Uganda, the region, and the wider Rotary international network. American Emmy Award-winning actress Mary-Louise Parker addressed delegates alongside a speaker lineup that included former Rotary International President Ian Henry Stuart Riseley, Kenyan life coach Robert Burale, and Uganda’s own Francis Tusubira.

Rotary Districts 9213 and 9214 jointly mobilised over Shs1 billion in cash and in-kind support for the conference and two other major Rotary events planned for Uganda in 2026, including the 7th All Africa Zone Institute scheduled for September. Centenary Bank alone contributed Shs280 million across all three events.

Kitakule has been vocal throughout the year in recognising the partners who have made this momentum possible — from financial institutions to advertising agencies to civil society organisations.

“What we are witnessing today is more than sponsorship — it is a shared investment in community leadership and a better future for all of us.”

— Geofrey Martin Kitakule, at the Rotary District 9213 Conference launch

On the Centenary Bank contribution to the conferences, he was equally direct: “We are deeply grateful to Centenary Bank for this generous support. This contribution will go a long way in ensuring the success of the upcoming conferences and strengthening our ability to deliver sustainable, community-driven impact.”

PEACEBUILDING, ENVIRONMENT, AND THE NEXT GENERATION

The conference also celebrated Rotary’s contribution to peacebuilding through the Rotary Peace Centre at Makerere University — the only such centre on the African continent — which trains professionals in conflict resolution, social cohesion, and leadership. Alupo credited the centre with positioning Uganda as a regional hub for peace education.

On the environment, Kitakule’s district has been active on multiple fronts, including a partnership with Uganda Breweries Limited and the National Forest Authority to restore the Namananga Central Forest Reserve in Kayunga District — a three-year, UGX 372 million project to plant 80,000 indigenous trees.

“The Namananga Forest’s restoration is a huge project that calls for cooperation. We are honoured to support UBL as they give back to the environment. I call upon UBL to remain our ESG implementation partners to restore our environment.”

— Geofrey Martin Kitakule, at the Namananga Forest Restoration launch, March 2026

Looking ahead to the next generation, Kitakule’s district partnered with the U.S. Exchange Alumni Network to launch a national initiative establishing Community Resource Centres in Uganda’s five regions. The initiative seeks UGX 1.5 billion and aims to provide young Ugandans with both physical and digital access to information and learning opportunities.

“In the past, I spent a lot of time at the U.S. resource centre to get information about study opportunities abroad. Today, things are online. But we need resource centres to provide resources digitally and physically. Let us do this to help the next generation.”

— Geofrey Martin Kitakule, at the USEA Partnership Breakfast

RECOGNITION AND THE ROAD AHEAD

Vice President Alupo extended appreciation to Kitakule by name for his exemplary leadership throughout the Rotary year. She also congratulated Rotarian Emmanuel Katongole on becoming a Director at Rotary International and Rotarian Francis Tusibira on his appointment as a Trustee of the Rotary Foundation — milestones that elevate Uganda’s standing within the global Rotary movement.

The conference concluded with renewed resolve under its theme, Inspire • Serve • Impact — a charge that, across the evidence of this Rotary year, Rotary District 9213 has already begun to fulfil.

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Kampala, Uganda — April 19, 2026
The proposed Sovereignty Bill has come under fresh scrutiny after the banking industry formally raised concerns with the Attorney General, warning that certain provisions could affect financial operations and Uganda’s broader investment climate.
In a letter submitted by the Uganda Bankers Association, industry players caution that parts of the draft legislation may introduce uncertainty in cross-border banking transactions and regulatory compliance for financial institutions operating in Uganda.
The association, which represents commercial banks in the country, argues that while the intent of strengthening national sovereignty is valid, some clauses could unintentionally interfere with established international banking frameworks.
“We support efforts to protect national interests,” the association reportedly stated in its submission. “However, it is important that any legal reforms maintain clarity and do not disrupt the flow of legitimate financial services and investment.”
According to banking sector insiders, the main concern centres on provisions that appear to expand state control over foreign financial interactions and external funding channels. Analysts say such measures, if not carefully refined, could affect correspondent banking relationships that Ugandan financial institutions rely on for international trade and remittances.
A financial policy expert in Kampala noted that the banking sector’s intervention reflects deeper concerns about regulatory predictability. “Investors and international banks value consistency. Any perception of abrupt regulatory shifts can increase the cost of doing business or reduce engagement,” the expert said.
The Sovereignty Bill, which is still under consideration in government discussions, is reportedly aimed at reinforcing national control over strategic economic decisions and reducing external influence in key sectors of the economy.
Supporters of the proposal argue that it is necessary to protect Uganda’s economic independence and ensure that domestic priorities are not undermined by foreign interests. However, critics within the financial sector say that sovereignty objectives must be balanced with the realities of a globally integrated banking system.
The Attorney General’s office has yet to publicly respond to the concerns raised by the Uganda Bankers Association, though consultations with stakeholders are expected to continue before the bill is tabled for further legislative consideration.
As discussions progress, the banking industry’s position is likely to remain influential, particularly in shaping provisions that affect financial regulation, international transactions, and Uganda’s overall investment attractiveness.

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