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BoU, UBA commit to promote financial empowerment and Inclusion

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Bank of Uganda, Uganda Bakers Association (UBA) Dfcu Bank and other financial institutions have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting financial empowerment and inclusion through its active participation in the ‘2023 Savings Challenge’ campaign.

The one-year Savings Challenge, scheduled to run until October 31, 2023, aims to empower individuals across Uganda to start small, save consistently, and grow their money to achieve specific goals. Aligned with the theme of the 2022 World Savings Day, “Start Small, Grow Big; Be Green Smart,” this challenge emphasizes the significance of making sustainable financial decisions.

Goretti Masadde, CEO of the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services, expressed gratitude to Dfcu Bank for its participation in the Savings Challenge. Masadde acknowledged the opportunity to enhance financial awareness and capability, particularly given the financial shocks caused by the COVID pandemic. She stated, “With the participation of approximately 35 organizations, the Savings Challenge has already collected over Shs10 million; marking a promising start towards achieving the initiative’s objectives.”

Charles Mudiwa, CEO and Managing Director of Dfcu Bank, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to UIBFS and other financial sector stakeholders for spearheading an initiative aimed at cultivating a savings culture among the citizens of Uganda. Mudiwa emphasized that Dfcu Bank’s mission of transforming lives and businesses is deeply rooted in the importance of savings. He expressed concern about the prevailing inclination towards instant gratification, which often hinders individuals from fully embracing the rewarding journey of saving.

Mudiwa further commented, “As a responsible financial institution, Dfcu Bank recognizes our role as stewards of the world for future generations. We understand the importance of considering the long-term implications of our financial decisions. Through initiatives like the Savings Challenge, we aim to foster a sustainable approach to saving and investing, empowering individuals to make wise choices that not only benefit their own financial well-being but also contribute to a greener and more prosperous future for all.”

Tilda Nabbanja Turyagyenda, Team Leader of Financial Literacy at the Bank of Uganda, and Tibbs Orikiriza, UMRA Manager for SACCOs, acknowledged the challenges of saving while emphasizing the profound impact that small, intentional actions can have on our financial well-being. They emphasized the importance of taking gradual steps in the right direction, highlighting that even modest efforts can lead to significant improvements in our financial lives.

 As part of the competition, participating savers are required to share a 30-second video clip or a captioned image of their experience on popular social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, using the hashtags #BOU, #UIBFS, #UBA, #DfcuBank, and #SavingsChallenge. A panel of three to five esteemed members will review and select the best stories and top savers, who will be awarded monthly prizes, culminating in the World Savings Day Convention on October 31, 2023.

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Anita Among urges EAC speakers to reject homosexuality to protect African values

By
Simon Kabayo
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Speaker Anita Among

Speaker of Ugandan parliament Anita Among has urged her counterparts in the legislative assemblies of the East Africa Community (EAC) to support the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, (Amendment), 2023 in order to protect and preserve African values.

Anita Among revealed this at the Bureau of Speakers of National Legislatures and the East African Assembly held in Arusha-Tanzania on Friday, May 19.

“As you may all be aware, the Parliament of Uganda, which I am delighted to Chair, passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which now awaits the President’s assent. The Bill was received with mixed reactions, especially from our foreign donors. However, as a People-centered Parliament, we stood for what majority of the populace wants,” Among said.

She added, “Our culture and values are rapidly eroding, because of the vice of homosexuality that is now taking a toll on our children. It is therefore my humble appeal to you all to join the fight to protect values.”

Anita Among said that the Bill will heavily contribute to the overall target of sustaining unity within the East African region.

 “Our culture and values as a Community are our identity, and it is what affords us due recognition. We must preserve and protect it,” Among said.

She however apologized for her inability to physically join the meeting due to the constitutional timeline within which the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda has to pass the National Budget.

“I am thankful that our gathering here today is an affirmation of our unwavering commitment to an East African Community that works for everybody, more especially, the common East African,” she appreciated.

The key agenda Items for the meeting were;

The Draft Bill on the Establishment of the Bureau as an Organ of the Community

Enhancement of cooperation between EALA and National EAC Legislatures

She noted that the Bill may require an amendment to Article 9 (1) of the treaty for the establishment of the EAC, given the absence of clear provisions in the Treaty of EAC providing for establishment of new organs.

“In the meantime, it will be grossly beneficial for us to have a Secretary General of EAC to engage with the EAC Heads of State on the sidelines of the subsequent Summit’ Among said.

She further revealed that since its inception, the East African Parliamentary Institute is yet to realize its full potential. Its growth and development is dependent on member legislatures meeting their subscription obligations. The parliament of Uganda reiterates its full support for a vibrant responsive and credible East African parliamentary institute.

She said Uganda is ready to host the institution in case no member state applies. Adding, “I hope that in our subsequent meetings, we will be able to review the recent East African Inter-Parliamentary Games held in Juba, South Sudan.”

“Honorable Colleagues, I underscore the need to form functional relationships between our National Legislatures, in line with passing resolutions, especially those that protect and serve the interests of our people,” she concluded.

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Low awareness and control hamper hypertension fight in Africa

By
Agencies
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Hypertension

 Fewer than a third of people living with hypertension in the African region are on treatment, and only about 12% have the life-threatening condition under control, an analysis by World Health Organization (WHO) shows.

Globally, around 21% of adults aged over 30 years have hypertension under control, and 42% are taking medication for the condition. Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke and heart attack—the cardiovascular diseases responsible for most deaths due to chronic illnesses in the African region.

In Africa, diagnosis, care and control of hypertension are constrained by low awareness about the condition, limited access to health services, overburdened health systems, health workforce challenges, lack of access to affordable medicines and non-compliance with drug regimens. Rising obesity rates, unhealthy lifestyles, along with insufficient patient education, compound the threat.

“Tackling this serious health threat requires stronger investment to increase access to health services to detect and manage the condition. It’s also vital to further raise awareness about hypertension and promote measures to address its modifiable risk factors,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Across the region, we’re supporting countries to anchor initiatives aimed at decentralizing diagnosis, treatment and care of noncommunicable diseases, to improve well-being and curb deaths.”

WHO has prioritized its work with governments, partners and civil society to address the threat of hypertension and other noncommunicable diseases. Twenty-seven countries have been supported, through an approach known as WHO-PEN, to decentralize the management of noncommunicable disease, including hypertension, at primary health care level. Services include screening and diagnosis, treatment, lifestyle modification, patient education and self-management.

Building on WHO-PEN, in 2022 African countries adopted a strategy known as PEN-Plus. This approach aims to reinforce the capacity of district hospitals and other first-level referral facilities for early diagnosis and subsequent management of severe noncommunicable diseases, including complicated hypertension, to lower deaths.

The PEN-Plus strategy has shown promising results in Liberia, Malawi and Rwanda, with a significant increase in the number of people accessing treatment for severe chronic diseases.

WHO is also working with partner organizations to support countries in the African region to develop and implement regulatory standards and fiscal measures to promote healthy diets, physical activity and other positive behaviour changes. Tobacco and alcohol use, as well as being overweight or obese, are significant risk factors for hypertension.

 “Although targeted initiatives are delivering success, further efforts are needed to lower the high burden of noncommunicable diseases in Africa,” Dr Moeti said. “Primary health facilities, which are on the frontline of healthcare and so ideally positioned to deliver health promotion and prevention services, must be fully supported and strengthened.”

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Money Markets: Dollar dominates major currencies throughout the week

By
Our Reporter
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Dollars

The currency has maintained trading within a narrow range between the 3717 – 3730 trading range as corporates remitted mid-month taxes during the week, Catherine Kijjagulwe, Head of Trading at Absa Bank Uganda said.

The flows from NGOs and commodity exporters were comfortably balanced by the demand tickets that filtered into the market. End-of-month inflows should start trickling into the market during the week and unless there is significant activity on the demand side, the unit is anticipated to maintain trading within a narrow range between the 3680 – 3770 trading levels.

She said Money Markets were fairly liquid during the week with overnight yields trading within the 10.00% -11.50% trading levels. Bank of Uganda held a 5-year and 20-year Treasury Bond auction on Wednesday and yields cleared at averages of 14.750% and 16.250% respectively in an auction that was well subscribed. Bank of Uganda is scheduled to hold a Shs185 billion Treasury Bill auction on Wednesday May 24, 2023.

The Kenya shilling remained weak overall during the week with continued requirements by dollar buyers. Inflows from the tea sector gave very minimal reprieve. The unit is still likely to trade within the 137.00-140.00 trading levels in the coming days.

“The dollar remained strong overall against most major currencies during the week as markets monitor progress on the US debt ceiling negotiations. A fall in US jobless claims to 242k from 264k was also dollar positive,” she said

The Euro touched highs of $1.0847 (Shs4058) on Thursday but later closed weaker at the $1.0769 (Shs4029) level.

The Pound briefly touched highs of $1.2492 (Shs4673) on Thursday but later settled at the $1.2408 (Shs4642) level.

Brent crude traded at $76.53 (Shs286,331) a barrel and West Texas Intermediate at $72.45 (Shs271,066) a barrel – trading marginally higher with optimism about the debt ceiling negotiations and possible improvement in global demand in the coming months.   Gold traded at $1966 (Shs7.3 Million) an ounce.

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Museveni urges private sector to invest in untapped tourism resources

By
Simon Kabayo
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President Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni has urged the Private Sector players to invest in the development of untapped tourism resources in Northern Uganda especially Fort Patiko and other historical sites.

Museveni also cautioned the private sector to put in place educational recreation services in all museums located in the entire region adding that the move shall make our country attractive not only to international tourists but also to domestic tourists.

He made the call in a speech read for him by Vice President Jessica Alupo during celebrations to the mark the International Museum Day 2023 in Gulu city organized under the theme, “Museums our Heritage”

Museveni further said that the improvement of connectivity through the development of tourism roads, the revival of the national carrier, Uganda Airlines, the conservation of our heritage as well as the promotion and showcasing of the potential of museums will diversify Uganda’s tourism offering, thus accelerating the national socio-economic growth.

He reiterated that the development of museums is a firm foundation for the dissemination of skills, knowledge, and information inherited from our great-grandparents in the advancement of civilization and technological innovation such as herbal medicine, architecture, and creative and performing arts which were used to solve societal problems, promote cultural tourism and empowerment of citizens to live in harmony.

He implored new cities like Gulu, Lira, Arua, Soroti, Fort Portal among others, to develop leisure and sports facilities that accommodate infrastructural developments of museums, to enable tourists to explore the country and equally helps in showcasing the cultures of this country.

This is why our national theme is; Museums, Our Heritage, the president emphasized.

Museveni further noted that museums in this country should be centers of showcasing our beautiful environment, memory, diversity, inclusivity, and socio-economic transformation.

He stressed that Uganda stands alone as a beautiful country endowed with diverse natural and cultural heritage.

Museveni said in northern Uganda, there are several tourism sites like Fort Patiko, Murchison Falls National Park, Aruu Falls, Tututuru hills, and Kabalega-Mwanga sites with rich ancient historical and archaeological information to be packaged for tourism development.

He told the congregation that the Government has now prioritized the development of supportive infrastructure to catalyze investments and the development of these sites.

He noted that the NRM Government has rolled out the Parish Development Model (PDM) to every Parish in this country to help fight household poverty.

He said NRM is extending the wealth creation programme country-wide, and maximizing prosperity everywhere, which will truly lead to broad-based peace among people and the nation.

“I am reliably informed that through sustainable conservation of Nature and Cultural Heritage, communities through PDM can benefit from the creation of one village, one product model, based on iconic heritage sites within our villages/parishes. For instance, I encourage the local communities to come up with handcrafts unique to their clans or totems that can be sold at these heritage touristic sites,” he said.

The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col. Tom Butime explained that the Tourism Programme is alive to the 2021-2026 NRM manifesto which recognizes tourism as an important source of growth with great potential for employment creation and foreign exchange earnings.

Evidence available indicates that Tourism has been growing consistently since the restoration of peace and security, and the sector continued to be the leading foreign exchange earner contributing $1.37 billion, as well as Shs6.17 trillion to Uganda’s GDP and employing over 6% of Uganda’s labor force.

Butime explained that the aim of the Museums and Monuments Act 2023 passed by Parliament this year, will consolidate and reform the law concerning the conservation of natural and cultural heritage; strengthen the management of cultural and natural heritage, classify museums, preserve and develop museums and monuments, the tangible and intangible heritage and also collect creative works of art.

He said Article 15 (1) provides for the establishment of city, regional, and district museums in Uganda.

“Therefore, our purpose for celebrating this year’s International Museum at Gulu city is to lay the foundation for the cities in Uganda to embrace developing museums as products for cultural tourism attraction,” Butime said.

A day earlier, in commemoration of the day, various high Value Tourism Opportunities in Northern Uganda had been highlighted.

Doreen.S. Katusiime the Permanent Secretary in the Tourism Ministry mentioned

Fort Patiko, which is within the vicinity of Gulu City marks a very important slave trade trail, which includes Fort Dufile (Moyo District) and Fort Wadelai (Nebbi District); in West Nile. “All the three sites host adequate land for top-notch tourism concessions”, she said.

The PS also made special focus on the Soroti Museum with four (4) acres for tourism concessions. “The most important factor to note; is that the Soroti Museum sits on prime land in the heart of the Soroti urban centre”, Katusime said.

Other high-value land for tourism concessions for Rock Art Sites are in Nyero (Kumi District), Mukongoro (Kumi District), Kakoro (Palisa District), Komuge (Bukedea District), Kapir (Ngora District).

The designation and inclusion of Napak (Karamoja region) in the first 100 International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) Geological Heritage Sites was also highlighted.

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Education Cannot Wait announce Shs15.3b grant towards escalating influx of refugees

By
Francisco Adongo
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Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has announced a $4.1 million (Shs 15.3 billion) grant in response to Uganda’s evolving and escalating influx of refugees.

The 12-month grant will be delivered by UNHCR and Save the Children and reach out to over 130,000 children and adolescents in the areas of Uganda that have been most affected by recent influxes of refugees, including Nakivale, Rwamwanja, Palabek and Rhino Camp.

The new investment aligns closely with the Government of Uganda’s Education Response Plan for Refugees and Host Communities.

“With more refugees seeking safety in Uganda, we must fully support the Government of Uganda’s Education Response Plan and ensure children and adolescents can quickly access protective learning environments, mental health and psychosocial services, school meals, scholastic materials, classrooms and teachers. Their education cannot wait as this is a protracted situation and their needs, as well as their rights, are our priority. I urge world leaders and public and private sector donors to enable Education Cannot Wait to support the collective, coordinated and urgent response in Uganda,” said Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait, the United Nations global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises.

Uganda hosts the largest refugee population in Africa and the third largest in the world. With armed conflicts, climate change and other crises affecting neighbouring countries, the number of refugees arriving in Uganda has jumped substantially in recent years. In 2022, over 140,000 refugees entered Uganda, primarily from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. UNHCR expects an additional 120,000 will arrive this year.

While the Government of Uganda has taken substantial steps to provide access to essential services including education to refugees’ schools are crowded, resources are strained, and girls and boys face increased risks of child marriage, early pregnancy, hunger, dropping out, post-traumatic stress and other challenges.

“Many refugees arrive in Uganda having experienced several cycles of violence, with urgent protection and life-saving assistance needs. Children and youth require education services to resume a sense of normalcy, acquire numeracy, literacy and life skills, while minimizing the risk of violence and exploitation caused by displacement,” said Matthew Crentsil, UNHCR Country Representative. 

“I laud Education Cannot Wait for availing this much-needed First Emergency Response funding contribution, which will support children’s access to quality education through upgraded infrastructure, additional teachers, and scholastic materials. The ongoing refugee influx has led to a significant increase in the number of school-age population, resulting in constrained education services.” he said.

 ”Save the Children appreciates the contribution by Education Cannot Wait towards ensuring that newly arrived refugee children are provided with learning in safe environments. We are committed to work with partners and support the Government of Uganda in ensuring that girls and boys who are affected by humanitarian crises recover from the impact of conflict and have continued access to their right to quality education,” said Dragana Strinic, Save the Children Country Director, Uganda.

The investment will increase the capacity of early childhood development centres, non-formal education, and primary and secondary schools across the targeted areas, supporting the enrolment of additional learners and new arrivals.

There will be a particular focus on girls and children with disabilities. As new arrivals have lived through truly horrific ordeals, including losing their homes and their loved ones, many suffer from post-traumatic stress. The investment will help learners to manage stress and conflict, and improve their self-confidence, self-esteem, and social skills with direct mental health and psychosocial support services.

To improve the quality of education, the investment will provide learning materials, teacher training, language programmes and other support to foster safe and protective learning environments. 

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Security sector gets lion’s share in the Shs52.7t 2023/24 financial year budget

By
Geoffery Serugo
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UPDF soldiers readies themselves for deployment in DRC.

The security sector has continued to get a lion’s share of the national budget with Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs taking a large share of the Shs52.7 trillion budgets for 2023/24 financial year.

Yesterday, Parliament passed the 2023/2024 National Budget following intense debate. According to the budget, the Ministry of Defence was allocated Shs3.8 trillion, followed by Uganda National Roads Authority with Shs2.4 trillion.

The Defence Ministry lost Shs1 billion it had wanted for the construction of the defence museum, due to government policy placing a freeze on multi-year projects.

The budget indicates that Shs21.4 trillion is set aside for statutory expenditure, which covers items such as treasury operations totaling Shs18.9 trillion, pensions and gratuity for retired civil servants amounting to Shs856.2 billion, among others.

State House got Shs417.9 billion, despite the Opposition’s vicious attempt to have it slashed down. During the plenary, MPs rejected a proposed provision for the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity in the Office of the President totaling to Shs8.5 billion for curbing the vice of homosexuality and pornography among the youth.

MPs also plucked Shs30 billion from UNRA following the agency’s failure to rapidly absorb funds allocated towards the construction of the Hoima-Wanseko Road.

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development wanted an increase of Shs10 billion to their workshops and seminars budget, which MPs rejected. Parliament also stopped a similar increment of Shs10 billion to the ministry’s travel inland vote.

Kampala Capital City Authority wins big after scooping Shs66 billion from the Uganda Road Fund to cater for the capital city’s dilapidated roads and drainage systems, which in the recent past attracted angry reactions from the public.

Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities lost Shs15.7 billion it had asked to finance conservation efforts, but MPs rejected the idea, saying the allocation was made because the ministry was not collecting any Non-Tax Revenue (NTR) during the #CovidD-19 pandemic, and that since tourism has resumed, it should be able to finance its activities to pre-pandemic levels.

Domestic spy agency, Internal Security Organisation, gets Shs13 billion more to support intelligence gathering, while the External Security Organisation has been allocated Shs5 billion to support intelligence gathering.

The Ministry of Health has been given an extra Shs18.5 billion for the rehabilitation and maintenance of health centre IIs and IIIs across the country.

In a minority report, the dissenting MPs wanted Shs43 billion for ceremonies under the Office of the President reallocated to KCCA for road repairs and maintenance.

MP Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju wanted parliament to halt allocations to the Office of the Prime Minister until “President Museveni takes political action against officials” implicated in the infamous iron sheets scandal.

Speaker Anita Among, however, guided that the funds are not person to holder, and that the allocations go to the office.

Shadow finance minister, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, faulted the finance ministry for failing to itemize and provide for activities under Statutory Expenditure, a move he claimed is intended to be used as a window of fraud.

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Speke Resort Munyonyo cleared to host G77+China summit

By
Simon Kabayo
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Mr Pedroso Cuesta

KAMPALA-Speke Resort Munyonyo has been cleared to host G77=China, a global event that brings together several nations.

Mr Pedroso Cuesta, the chair of G77 plus China who is in Kampala on a fact-finding mission, has cleared Uganda’s Speke Resort Munyonyo to the global summit in January 2024.

Addressing reporters on Thursday, Cuesta announced that the country has all the prerequisites to host the Group of 77+China, the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries in the United Nations.

Mr. Cuesta said that after assessing Speke Resort Munyonyo, one of the luxurious facilities seated on the shores of Lake Victoria, and other accommodation and recreation facilities, he is convinced that Uganda has the capacity to host the high-level international meeting.

“We are very pleased because we have seen the magnificent efforts put in place by Uganda to ensure the success of the summit and we are very much convinced that it will be a success in this country,” Mr Cuesta said.

“I have seen facilities being developed for the summit, and I want to assure the delegates that once the summit is passed everyone will enjoy the stay in Uganda”

“They are building a beautiful conference centre in Munyonyo and we saw the speed being used in the construction, we are very convinced that everything will be in place by the summit time,” he added.

Mr Cuesta further noted that the delegates will not only enjoy the well-established facilities in Munyonyo but will also have time to explore the other potentials of the country in various sectors like tourism and the social culture of Ugandans.

“There are several reasons that will ensure the success of the summit, this can be seen by how people are actively engaging in preparation activities,” he said, adding that: “The summit will also benefit Uganda and its name will be at the top of the international scene.”

The G77 third South summit which was supposed to be hosted by Uganda in 2020 was postponed due Covid-19 pandemic and it will be hosted at Speke Resort Munyonyo from January 21 to January 23, 2024, under the theme: ‘Leaving no one behind’. Uganda will become the first African to host the summit following the first and second summits that were hosted by Cuba and Qatar respectively.

The G77 plus China is the biggest negotiating group at the UN with a membership of 134-member states.

Mr Henry Okello Oryem, the State Minister for foreign affairs urged Ugandans to be ready to host the international delegation from more than 130 counties.

He said the upcoming summit will boost the social economic status of Uganda.

Speke Resort Munyonyo

“Today we are honoured to host HE Pedroso Cuesta on his fact-finding mission in Uganda ahead of the G77 Plus China third South summit, his presence here is a sign that Uganda is on a right track to host the event,” Mr Okello said

“Ugandans should not complain about how much we are investing in the preparations to host the summit, I assure you that we shall earn 10 times all the investment from the summit make” he added.

He also re-echoed the government’s commitment to ensure success of the event in line with all the summit objectives.

“Your Excellency, I assure you of the total commitment by the president of Uganda, the government, and the people of Uganda to work closely with you to achieve the shared vision of a successful summit with practical and achievable outcomes,” Mr Okello said. 

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Six arrested as security guard shoots self-dead at Lumumba Avenue

By
Simon Kabayo
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ASP Luke Owoyesigyire

KAMPALA-Territorial police at Wandegeya in Kampala have arrested six individuals to help with investigations of Rogers Atuhaire, a private security guard attached to SGA Security Group who allegedly shot himself dead at Mukwasi building along Lumumba Avenue early morning.

Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed the incident and said the deceased had been deployed as a guard at the site just two days ago when he decided to take his own life.

“Rogers Atuhaire, who had been deployed at the beat for the past two days, was found dead at the scene. Initial reports suggest that the deceased was discovered by David Okudu, a day guard who had arrived for duty. David reported hearing the sound of a gun being cocked, assuming it was a routine safety precaution,” ASP Owoyesigyire said on Thursday afternoon.

Preliminary reports indicate that Atuhaire’s lifeless body was found by one David Okudu, a day guard who had arrived for duty. Okumu said he first heard the sound of a gun being cocked, assuming it was a routine safety precaution only to find the deceased lying in a pool of blood, with a bullet wound visible on his throat, which had penetrated through his head.

Owoyesigyire said according to initial investigations, it has been established that Atuhaire was working alongside Mary Namumanya on the night shift and so far, six people are currently detained at Wandegeya police station to assist with the ongoing investigations.

“Investigations have revealed that Atuhaire was working alongside Mary Namumanya for the night duty. As part of the investigation process, witness statements have been recorded, and relevant exhibits have been recovered,” he said.

“A comprehensive and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident will be carried out and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” added Owoyesigyire.

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Parliament cautions Ministry of Finance against making changes in National Budget

By
Simon Kabayo
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Speaker Anita Among

Parliament has cautioned the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development over last-minute corrections to the budget as Members of Parliament inch closer to passing of the national budget.

The caution follows a request from the State Minister for Finance in charge of general duties, Henry Musasizi, to lay on the table an addendum to the corrigenda during plenary on Wednesday May 17, 2023 chaired by Speaker Anita Among.

Parliament has a constitutional obligation to approve the budget estimates by the end of May where after, the President, through the finance minister shall formally present the national budget [Budget Speech] in June breaking down the approved budget into quarterly spending limits for Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

In her communication, Anita Among explained why she was evoking Rule 25 (1) of the Rules of Procedure to vary the Order Paper to accommodate the laying of the addendum to the corrigenda for the Draft Budget Estimates for the Financial Year 2023/2024.  

“Honourable Members, the corrigenda seek to effect modifications to the draft budget estimates taking into consideration observations of the Budget Committee and correction of errors of omission and commission,” she said

Kira Municipality legislator, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, expressed concern that as a member of the budget committee, they were ready with their report based on the corrigenda previously laid on table but was surprised that new documents were being submitted without notice.

“Are they revising or bringing some new corrigenda? Do we still have a government because they keep throwing at us budget revisions?” he said.

The Leader of the Opposition, Matthias Mpuuga, said that since the minister has consistently demonstrated unreliability, he should present a commitment letter to ensure that no more documents are laid.

 Whilst the Speaker implored the House to accept the minister’s apology, she directed him to put the commitment in writing.

“We live in a world of continuous improvement and I personally believe in continuous improvement. This will be the last time such a thing happens and this is the last document we are submitting,” Musasizi committed.

Following the laying of the corrigenda, the Chairperson of the Budget Committee, Patrick Isiagi, requested for an extension of time to incorporate the adjustments from the finance ministry.   

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