MPs start countrywide assessment of FY 2022/23 budget performance

Parliament sittings have been deferred for two weeks to allow MPs to assess the performance of the 2022/2023 financial year budget through oversight visits across the country.

The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa who chaired plenary on Tuesday, 31 October 2023, adjourned the House to 15 November 2023.

Tayebwa said that as Parliament starts the new budgeting cycle, there is need for committees to review how this financial year’s Shs52 trillion budget has performed.

“We have started receiving medium term expenditure frameworks, that means the budgeting process has started in Parliament. Money that was appropriated in last financial year, we see reports on paper, but we need to see it on ground,” said Tayebwa.

He added, “I will be joining you on some of those visits so that we see what is done. Can we go and see these important activities for which we appropriated money, if we do it for some time, we shall be able to help, especially on the oversight.”

Prof Elijah Mushemeza making a presentation before Parliament

He said that upon their return, each committee will be required to present findings on the Floor with the aim of improving budget performance.

Relatedly, some lawmakers have urged government to be realistic while making budgets, to avoid cases of shortfalls which subsequently affect service delivery.

Hon. Nathan Byanyima (NRM, Bukanga North County) said that several districts are grappling with poor roads due to failure by the finance ministry to release funds.

“There are no releases, it is air supply. We would rather have a budget that is concentrating on one sector and we have something to feel that has been done rather than every year saying this will be done and we end up not doing anything,” said Byanyima.

Hon. Elijah Mushemeza (Indep. Sheema County South) urged government to ensure that expenditure tallies with available revenue.