Politics 27 March 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Parliament Rejects Bill to Centralize Government Agency Revenues in Consolidated Fund
Ugandan Parliament has turned down a Private Member’s Bill proposed by Hon. Ssemwanga Gyaviira to require state corporations and public entities to deposit all collected revenues into the Consolidated Fund for parliamentary oversight. The rejection came amid concerns over constitutionality and existing legal frameworks allowing some retention of funds. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4316/proposal-control-spending-source-fails-parliament
Uganda’s Parliament rejected a motion on March 26, 2026, to introduce the Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill, tabled by Hon. Ssemwanga Gyaviira (NRM, Buyamba County), aimed to stop government agencies from spending public funds without parliamentary approval.
Under the proposal, revenues from state corporations, public enterprises, and statutory authorities would all go into the Consolidated Fund, ensuring appropriation through Parliament. Gyaviira highlighted how current practices bypass this, with entities retaining and spending ‘own-source revenues’ outside oversight.
He pointed to a Shs4.3 trillion reconciliation gap between the Consolidated Fund and appropriation statements, signaling major accountability issues. Funds were reportedly used for staff loans, fixed deposits, and securities, even as the government borrows elsewhere.
Hon. Herbert Ariko (NRM, Soroti East Division) supported the motion, noting undisclosed revenues hinder planning and resource allocation. Speaker Anita Among asked for a list of retaining institutions, with Hon. Isaac Otimgiw mentioning the National Drug Authority.
Opposition came from Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who warned of unconstitutionality since the Constitution permits certain accounts. Hon. Jonathan Odur suggested amending entity-specific laws instead, while State Minister David Bahati insisted all spending follows the law.
The motion described this as creating a ‘parallel fiscal space’ that weakens budget credibility and risks misuse.
Source: Parliament of Uganda