MPs Outraged Over Shs46bn Idle in Science Ministry for Two Years

Uganda’s parliamentary Budget Committee is demanding answers from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) over Shs46 billion in funds meant for innovation projects that have gone unused for two straight financial years.

The issue came to light through a report from the Committee on Presidential Affairs, which found the money—released by government in FY 2024/2025—still untouched in Uganda Development Bank (UDB) accounts. This includes Shs25 billion allocated as grants for developers researching anti-tick solutions to combat tick-borne diseases devastating the livestock sector.

‘No money had been received by the intended grantees,’ stated Hon. Alex Byarugaba, Chairperson of the Committee on Presidential Affairs, while presenting the findings on April 17, 2026.

Legislators voiced strong frustration, with Budget Committee Chairperson Hon. Patrick Isiagi Opolot labeling the inaction as ‘abuse of office.’ He questioned how an accounting officer could sit on the funds for two years without deploying them.

The committee has ordered STI officials to appear within a week to justify the delays, threatening to block future budget allocations if no satisfactory explanation is provided. Calls also arose for halting additional funding until accountability is restored.

Hon. Stephen Baka Mugabi, from the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, noted the Budget Committee’s limited powers at this stage and urged referral to the full House for deeper probe.

This scrutiny occurs as the Budget Committee reviews sectoral reports for FY 2026/2027 budget projections.

Source: Parliament of Uganda