On Thursday, the Parliament approved a Shs14 trillion corrigendum, increasing the Financial Year 2024/25 budget from Shs58.3 trillion to Shs72.1 trillion. The Budget Committee processed the corrigendum, which reveals significant allocations to the Defence ministry, sports, healthcare, and other key sectors.
The Defence ministry received the bulk of the additional funds, totalling Shs616.78 billion. This includes Shs214.62 billion for wage, pension, and gratuity enhancements for UPDF lower cadre, Shs172.0 billion for UPDF food, and Shs230.16 billion for defence equipment projects.
In preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals, which Uganda will co-host with Tanzania and Kenya, Shs132 billion has been allocated, primarily channeled through the National Council of Sports. Of this, Shs117 billion will initiate construction of Hoima Stadium, while Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira City will receive Shs100 billion. Additionally, Shs7.80 billion is designated as recurrent funds for the Mandela National Stadium, which recently underwent Shs97.90 billion worth of renovations to meet the standards for hosting 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.
The corrigendum also includes Shs34 trillion for medical interns' allowances, Shs24 billion for State House, Shs25 billion for the Office of the President, and Shs40 trillion for cattle compensation in the Lango, Teso, and Acholi sub-regions.
Three coffee-related items are addressed, with funds directed through the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The UCDA will receive Shs13.90 billion for "coffee traceability" and Shs12.25 billion to settle arrears for coffee seedling farmers. Additionally, Shs75 billion is allocated for "coffee value addition" under the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
The Electoral Commission has been allocated Shs415 billion for its electoral roadmap activities. Furthermore, Shs25 billion is planned for the capitalisation of the New Vision Group, Shs30 billion for Busoga and Bunyoro Universities, Shs162 billion for Kabalega International Airport, and Shs427 billion for Foot and Mouth Disease containment.
Background information indicates that after the government initially tabled the Shs58.3 trillion budget for 2024/25, various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) voiced concerns about inadequate funding. These concerns were highlighted in the Budget Committee's majority report. Committee chairperson Mr. Patrick Isiagi Opolot noted that the secretariat addressed some unfunded priorities amounting to Shs17 trillion, with several issues, such as cattle compensation, being handled in the current allocations.
The expanded budget aims to address critical needs and support key sectors, reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing national defense, sports infrastructure, healthcare, and agricultural development.
