By AGGREY BULUBA
Kampala – The burden of unmet presidential promises is increasingly weighing on Uganda’s State House.
Mr. Alex Byarugaba, Chairperson of the Presidential Affairs Committee, informed Parliament that an urgent allocation of Shs 83.03 billion is needed to fulfill outstanding donations promised by President Yoweri Museveni. During a Budget Committee meeting on Wednesday, Byarugaba stressed the necessity of increasing the donation budget for the 2025/26 financial year, as only Shs 53.03 billion has been allocated, leaving a shortfall of Shs 30 billion. He cautioned that failing to meet these commitments could harm the president’s credibility amid widespread dissatisfaction in various constituencies.
State House Comptroller Jane Barekye noted the rising demand for donations, with ministers advocating for the fulfillment of presidential pledges in their regions. She highlighted the challenges of budgeting due to the unpredictable nature of these requests and called for clearer guidelines to manage the growing need. “This ongoing issue requires careful management. We prioritize donations based on urgency and available funds, but demand continues to rise,” Barekye stated.
This funding request arises as Uganda’s national budget contracts. State Minister for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Henry Musasizi announced that the projected budget for 2025/26 is Shs 57.441 trillion, down from Shs 72.137 trillion in the current fiscal year.
However, not all lawmakers support increasing the donation budget. Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Sseggona criticized the reliance on presidential handouts, attributing the issue to weak institutions and a culture of dependency. “Strong institutions with clear mandates would reduce the need for citizens to depend on leaders for assistance,” Sseggona said, advocating for public education campaigns to ensure state resources are used transparently and systematically.
As Uganda grapples with economic challenges, it must strike a balance between presidential promises and fiscal responsibility. The increasing scrutiny of government spending underscores the need for clearer policies to manage public expectations and ensure financial accountability.
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