Parliament has given the green light for an additional budget of Shs3.5 trillion to support various government sectors, including State House, the President’s Office, and the Ministry of Health.
The approval, granted during a session on December 6, 2023, encompasses Supplementary Expenditure Schedule No.1 for the Financial Year 2023/2024.
The Minister of State for Finance (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, explained that Shs1.9 trillion required prior parliamentary approval, while Shs1.5 trillion fell within the 3 percent legal limit.
He said that a significant portion of the funds, Shs2 trillion, would be utilized to settle domestic obligations to the Central Bank, addressing a debt of Shs4.8 trillion accumulated since the 2019/2020 financial year.
According to the Committee of National Economy’s report presented by Chairperson Hon. Patrick Isiagi, allocations from the supplementary budget include Shs441.3 billion for classified expenditure at State House.
The Office of the President was allocated Shs26 billion for hosting the Non-Aligned Movement and G77+1 summits in 2024. Additionally, Shs44 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Finance, with Shs13 billion earmarked for supporting artists under the Microfinance Support Centre.
The Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development received Shs10 billion for compensation of the properties of the Kingdoms of Buganda, Bunyoro, and Tooro. The education sector was allocated Shs55.7 billion, including Shs13.9 billion for the Higher Education Students’ Financing Board and Shs17.6 billion for the completion of renovation works at Mandela National Stadium. Shs24 billion was set aside to support Uganda’s hosting of the African Cup of Nations and African Nations Champions.
Within the health sector, Shs9.8 billion was allocated to cover Pay as You Earn for medical interns, ensuring each intern and senior house officer receives a net allowance of Shs1 million.
The source of funding for the supplementary budget includes Non-Tax Revenue, domestic borrowing, and external financing.
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