Ibrahim Ssemujju (Kira Municipality) castigated Gov’t for exhibiting a high level of fiscal indiscipline by running the national budget through supplementary budgets, saying that had he been the President of Uganda,
Kampala, Uganda – In a fiery outburst, MP Ibrahim Ssemujju (Kira Municipality) has lambasted the government for its “kiosk-like” supplementary budgets, exhibiting a high level of fiscal indiscipline. He threatened that if he were the President, most Ministers involved in these supplementary budgets would be serving jail time at Luzira Maximum Prison.
Parliament approved the Shs288.624Bn supplementary schedule, with Shs132.634Bn allocated for purchasing shares in the East African Oil Pipeline (EACOP) by the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and Shs152Bn for constructing the Hoima City Stadium by the National Council of Sports for the 2027 African Cup of Nations.
Ssemujju expressed frustration, stating, “If I was in charge, I would send all Ministers to Luzira. Ten days ago, we passed a supplementary, then you come with another one, saying wait, we have another one. Each one of you would be in Luzira; that’s where the warrant of detention will find you.”
However, Attorney General Kiwanuka Kiryowa defended the 3rd Supplementary schedule, citing that some items, like acquiring equity in the East African Oil Pipeline, hadn’t been known to the government until recently.
This development raises concerns about Uganda’s fiscal management and the transparency of government expenditures. As the country navigates economic challenges, the need for prudent budgeting and accountability becomes increasingly urgent.