The government’s handling of the abolition and merger of agencies, particularly the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), has come under intense scrutiny from Members of Parliament, who have described the process as rushed, disorganized, and potentially aimed at replacing experienced personnel with less qualified individuals.
Jonathan Odur, the Erute South legislator, strongly criticized the government for its casual approach to the transition, arguing that the move appears politically motivated rather than a well-planned policy decision.
“Now, we are hearing Government in a very casual and unserious manner tell us that we got lost along the way and then we found ourselves in the transition. These are things within your control. If you aren’t ready, let them continue. No one from our side said, no one must stop today and transit. Now, you remove people who are in UNRA, advertise their jobs and then, you don’t even shortlist them, then you see other people who don’t even have experience,” Odur remarked.
He further stated that the government should reconsider its rationalization plan and allow agencies to continue functioning until adequate funds for compensating affected staff are secured. Odur also expressed disappointment with the way government operations are managed, arguing that the opposition has now demonstrated a higher level of competency in governance.
“My training and knowledge of how governments run is that I thought government is a very serious institution. Absolutely serious, that whenever I interact with government and hear from them, I actually take them very seriously. But I must say, my experience here has taught me another lesson and I can competently say, this side (Opposition), we can now run the government.”
The government also faced backlash over unpaid debts to contractors, which has led to stalled infrastructure projects, including bridges and road construction. Eddie Kwizera (Bukimbiri County) raised concerns over the halted construction of Kinyamateke Bridge in Kisoro District, which was abandoned after the government failed to release Shs900 million meant for its completion. The incomplete project led to a disaster where a river burst its banks, displacing over 1,000 people.
“Kinyamateke Bridge, which connects Bukimbiri County to Kisoro District, had a contract signed and executed. But when they were almost finishing, the budget was cut by a shortfall of Shs900M, which has caused a disaster because the river has displaced over 1,000 people. My prayer is that the Ministry of Finance should release the money that it withheld even against the certificate because non-payment of the certificates has caused the disaster in that place,” Kwizera stated.
In response, Henry Musasizi, Minister of State for Finance, assured Parliament that the government is set to clear most of its outstanding debts to contractors. He defended the Ministry of Finance against claims of withholding funds, explaining that cash flow limitations dictate when payments can be made.
“First, the Ministry of Finance doesn’t withhold money. We manage your resources depending on the cash flows. When there is cash, we release; when there is no cash, we hold. However, I have good news for Kwizera and also our contractors who fall under this category. In the Supplementary budget, there is a provision that will take care of some of those outstanding obligations so that our contractors are able to complete some of the work that has been outstanding for some time,” Musasizi stated.
To address some of these financial challenges, the government has tabled a third supplementary budget for the 2024/25 financial year, amounting to Shs4.255 trillion. The funds will cater to payments for road contractors, operations of the Army and Police, and preparations for the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The proposal, tabled by Minister Musasizi, has been referred to Parliament’s Budget Committee for further scrutiny.
“I beg to lay the supplementary expenditure schedule No.3 for 2024/25, amounting to Shs4.255 trillion to cater for government commitments and obligations, which include the following critical expenditure requirements: Outstanding certificates to road construction companies; security-related expenditure under the Ministry of Defence and Uganda Police Force; African Cup of Nations 2027-related expenditure for completion of Hoima Stadium, construction of Aki-Bua Stadium, training facilities, and operational expenses in preparation for AFCON,” said Musasizi.
As Parliament continues its deliberations, MPs are calling for increased transparency and accountability in government operations to ensure efficiency and fairness in decision-making.
