Parliament has given the government the green light to borrow over Shs 4.4 trillion to cover additional expenses including paying salaries and wages.
The request was contained in s supplementary request submitted by ministry of Finance last week. The approval was contained in the budget committee’s report presented to the House chaired by speaker Anita Among.
From the supplementary, ministry of Defence and the army will receive Shs 620 billion, State House Shs 193 billion meant to clear salaries, wages, and other expenditures.
Ministry of Education will receive Shs 50 billion for salaries, while the Health ministry will be allocated Shs 134 billion. Additionally, the Electoral Commission will receive Shs 35 billion for salaries, and treasury operations will receive Shs 228 billion for salaries, wages, and other expenses.
Butambala MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi who authored a minority report wanted the budget reduced by Shs 108 billion. The money is allocated to ministry of Trade and intended for the purchase of equipment to be leased to Atiak Sugar Works, a private entity where the government owns minority shares.