Museveni Demands Accountability for Shs84.4 Trillion Budget Oversight

President Yoweri Museveni has emphasized the critical need for accountability from all elected officials, irrespective of their political party, regarding the oversight of government initiatives. Speaking at the unveiling of Uganda’s Shs84.4 trillion national budget for the Financial Year 2026/27 at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, the President underscored that leaders, whether from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) or the opposition, must actively monitor public programmes.

“As long as you are getting money from the government, you must check what is happening on the ground,” President Museveni stated, highlighting persistent complaints about funds, particularly from the Parish Development Model (PDM), being misappropriated. He noted encountering these grievances during recent election campaigns across various regions.

The budget, presented by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, focuses on accelerating economic growth, enhancing service delivery, and supporting productive sectors to achieve middle-income status. Despite significant economic progress, the President pointed out that weaknesses in implementation and supervision continue to hinder the effectiveness of government programmes.

President Museveni warned that officials, local leaders, and legislators failing in their monitoring duties would face increased scrutiny, with potential action being considered through the Attorney General’s office. He stressed that bringing the remaining 33 percent of Ugandans outside the money economy into productive activity remains the nation’s most crucial development challenge.

Minister Musasizi elaborated on the budget’s focus on wealth creation, noting that over Shs4.4 trillion has been disbursed to all parishes under the PDM over the past five years. He also projected a robust growth in domestic revenue to Shs45.6 trillion for FY2026/27 and anticipated a 10.2 percent economic growth, partly driven by the nascent petroleum sector.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to trade order and environmental protection, defending measures to clear road reserves and protect wetlands. Additionally, he provided an update on the Ebola situation, assuring the public that it is under control and manageable through vigilance and adherence to health guidelines.

Source: State House Uganda