Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of Opposition and Sarah Bireete, Executive Director, Centre for Constitutional Governance, having a chat during the Alternative Budget workshop at Parliament.
The Leader of Opposition (LOP), Joel Ssenyonyi, has unveiled a bold 2025/26 Alternative Budget that prioritizes the fight against corruption, which he identifies as Uganda's most significant barrier to development. Ssenyonyi emphasized that while Ugandans face critical shortages in essential services due to alleged funding constraints, public funds continue to be squandered through corruption.
During a March 10, 2025 workshop for the Opposition Caucus at Parliament, Ssenyonyi outlined that the theme for this year's alternative budget is "Combating Corruption: The Sure Way to Effective Service Delivery."
"Corruption is the primary hurdle hindering Uganda’s progress," said Ssenyonyi. "We are constantly told there are insufficient resources, yet billions are lost annually due to mismanagement, inflated contracts, and outright theft. These aren't just numbers—they are lost opportunities for our children, families, and future."
Fighting Corruption Despite Backlash
Ssenyonyi urged Opposition MPs to remain vocal in their fight against corruption, despite potential backlash from those in power. "Standing up for fairness may make us disruptive in the eyes of the government, but if demanding accountability is seen as a complaint, then we should raise our voices even louder. If we don't speak up for the people, who will?"
He stressed that the workshop was an opportunity for the Opposition to plan alternative policies for the upcoming financial year, aiming not only to challenge the government but also to offer practical solutions. "Today, we aim to work with experts from the Parliamentary Budget Office and civil society to understand the budget better and craft alternative policies that channel public funds into effective service delivery, away from wasteful corruption."
Call for Fund Recovery
Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of the Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG), commended the Opposition for exposing corruption but called for a stronger focus on recovering stolen funds. "While exposing corruption is crucial, the priority should be the actual recovery of lost funds, as prosecution efforts in Uganda often yield little to no results. The Opposition must push for funds recovery to directly benefit the taxpayers rather than engaging in ineffective prosecutions."
Bireete also urged the Opposition to push the government to fully fund critical sectors like health and education, ensuring Uganda’s reliance on foreign aid is reduced. "With shrinking global support, Uganda can no longer afford to depend on foreign aid for its essential services. These sectors must be fully funded by our government."
Budget Oversight and Responsibility
Sulaiman Kiggundu, Director of the Parliamentary Budget Office, cautioned Opposition MPs about the importance of engaging in the budgeting process. "Many MPs neglect budget discussions but later complain about policies they didn’t scrutinize. MPs must be involved from the start if they wish to challenge wasteful spending and bad policies."
Kiggundu also highlighted the issue of tax policy, emphasizing that many MPs overlook tax discussions, only to realize the impact on their constituents later through higher taxes. "It is vital to consider how tax changes will affect ordinary Ugandans before approving new laws."
Inadequate Government Response to Corruption
The Opposition's push for a more aggressive anti-corruption stance contrasts with the ruling NRM's allocation of UGX 197 billion for the fight against corruption in the 2025/26 budget. However, a report from the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) reveals that Uganda loses over UGX 10 trillion annually to corruption.
With such massive losses, Opposition leaders argue that the government's current approach is insufficient. The 2025/26 Alternative Budget seeks to advocate for stronger accountability mechanisms, policy reforms, and a reallocation of funds toward critical services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, rather than wasteful government expenditure.
As Uganda prepares for the 2025/26 financial year, the Opposition’s firm stance on corruption and service delivery will likely spark important debates in Parliament. It remains to be seen whether the NRM government will heed the Opposition’s calls for stronger accountability and policy shifts.
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