Politics 29 April 2026 Parliament of Uganda
MPs Challenge Shs30 Billion Operational Costs in SAGE Program
Uganda's Budget Committee has flagged high operational expenses in the SAGE program, which delivers monthly cash aid to over one million elderly citizens, questioning where the extra funds beyond beneficiary payments are directed. During committee scrutiny, Hon. Agnes Kunihira defended the costs while MPs pushed for budget consolidation and updated beneficiary data. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4406/mps-question-shs30-bn-sage-operational-costs
Members of Parliament, particularly from the Budget Committee, expressed alarm over the Shs30 billion operational costs in the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) initiative during a session on Friday, 17 April 2026.
SAGE offers Shs25,000 monthly to more than one million elderly Ugandans. Full coverage would demand Shs373.36 billion yearly, but the government allocates Shs121 billion, creating a significant shortfall.
Hon. Dicksons Kateshumbwa highlighted that beneficiary payments total around Shs94 billion, probing the destination of the remaining funds. Hon. Agnes Kunihira, Gender Committee Chairperson, clarified these cover ministry operations like mobilization and payments.
Hon. Maximus Ochai advocated merging SAGE admin costs into the ministry’s primary budget to curb inflation from parallel systems. Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju criticized the fixed 316,000 beneficiary figure used annually, calling for fresh registration data.
Kunihira justified expenses for field work and systems but noted ministry officials could provide more details. MPs backed reducing eligibility age to 65, though Ssemujju warned of active workers in that group.
Further probes into SAGE funding await as Parliament examines the Gender Ministry’s allocations.
Source: Parliament of Uganda