Musasizi urges MPs to ensure diligent budget implementation in constituencies

Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to go beyond simply approving the national budget and to actively track its implementation in their respective constituencies. Speaking at an induction session for MPs at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Musasizi emphasized that effective oversight is a constitutional duty and vital for voters’ trust.

He urged legislators to ensure that allocated funds translate into tangible improvements in service delivery at the local level. “Budget approval is the beginning, not the end. Track whether funds reach the people they were intended for,” he stated, advising MPs to verify that public money delivers value for money.

Drawing on his extensive experience as a Member of Parliament, Musasizi encouraged MPs to engage directly with local government officials and communities. He suggested regular inquiries, including written requests to Chief Administrative Officers, about the progress of government projects. “It is important that you ask the Chief Administrative Officer in writing; ask him or her the progress of certain projects, ask if you can together visit those projects, if for example schools have teachers and if they are teaching,” he recommended.

Such engagement, he noted, fosters accountability and strengthens the connection between MPs and their constituents, which can aid in their re-election. Musasizi also mentioned plans to improve budget discipline by strictly limiting supplementary expenditures to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances, in line with the Public Finance Management Act.

During the session, Kassanda North County MP, Hon. Patrick Oshabe, voiced concerns about delays in budget document submissions by the Ministry, hindering parliamentary scrutiny. Kampala Woman MP, Hon. Shamim Malende, raised the issue of double taxation, while Second Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Crispus Kiyonga, advocated for infrastructure investment to support industrial park development.

Additionally, National Planning Authority Chairperson, Prof. Pamela Mbabazi, presented on the National Development Plan IV, urging MPs to champion legislation supporting Uganda Vision 2040 and the goal of significantly growing the economy by 2040.

This advice was provided by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, at the Parliament of Uganda induction for MPs. https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4468/musasizi-tasks-mps-monitor-budget-implementation-their-constituencies