Opposition Focuses on Anti-Corruption Strategy in Formulating 2025/26 Alternative Budget

Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition (LOP) in the Parliament of Uganda. File Photo

The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has officially launched a crucial budget workshop aimed at crafting the Opposition’s alternative budget for the 2025/26 financial year. This event, which saw the participation of political leaders, civil society organizations, policy experts, and various stakeholders, is designed to strengthen the Opposition’s capacity to propose viable and credible policies that not only challenge the government but also provide Ugandans with practical, sustainable solutions to address pressing issues across the country.

In his opening remarks, Ssenyonyi highlighted that this year's budget process is centered around the theme, "Combating Corruption: The Sure Way to Effective Service Delivery." He stressed that corruption remains Uganda's most significant impediment to development, contributing to the mismanagement of resources and stifling progress across vital sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Ssenyonyi made it clear that the workshop would focus heavily on developing strategies to fight corruption, emphasizing that it is an issue that goes beyond political rhetoric. "Corruption is the greatest obstacle to Uganda’s development," he remarked. "It has eaten into the heart of our systems and continues to cripple our potential to thrive as a nation. We must confront it head-on if we are to have any hope for true development."

One of the key issues raised during the opening session was the alarming misuse of public funds. Ssenyonyi expressed deep concern over the billions of shillings that the government loses annually due to corruption, mismanagement, inflated contracts, and theft. He pointed out the paradox in government claims of resource scarcity while public funds are being squandered on corrupt practices. "These aren't just abstract numbers," he emphasized. "They represent lost opportunities for our children, our communities, and our future."

To drive home the urgency of tackling corruption, Ssenyonyi shared a metaphorical story with the audience. He likened Uganda's situation to an elderly farmer who works tirelessly to provide for his family, only to find that his food is disappearing over time. One night, the farmer stays awake and discovers that rats are stealing from his granary. In response, the farmer realizes that setting traps alone isn't enough; he must block every entry point to prevent the loss at its source. "This is exactly what Uganda needs to do," Ssenyonyi explained. "We can't merely address the symptoms of corruption—we must eliminate it at its roots by stopping it at every point of entry."

The Opposition leader used this analogy to illustrate that effective anti-corruption efforts in Uganda must go beyond reactive measures and focus on systemic changes that close loopholes in governance. "We need to scrutinize every aspect of public service delivery to identify vulnerabilities where corruption thrives. We must plug these gaps and ensure that our systems are secure, transparent, and accountable," he added.

Ssenyonyi then took the opportunity to underscore the severe impact corruption has on service delivery. He highlighted the daily struggles faced by Ugandans as a direct result of the systemic corruption that pervades public institutions. "Teachers are teaching in overcrowded classrooms without the resources they need, young people are struggling to find employment, and our healthcare system is woefully inadequate, especially in rural areas," he noted. "These are not just numbers on a report; these are the real-life consequences of corruption, and they affect the very people we serve."

In anticipation of potential criticism from government officials, Ssenyonyi expressed confidence in the Opposition's stance. He acknowledged that those in power may attempt to discredit the Opposition’s efforts, but he insisted that standing up for accountability and fairness is non-negotiable. "If speaking out for justice and fairness makes us disruptive, then we wear that label with pride," he declared. "If demanding accountability is seen as complaining, then we will raise our voices even louder. If we do not speak up for the people of Uganda, who will?"

The Leader of the Opposition also emphasized that the Opposition's role is not merely to criticize the government but to offer practical solutions that can lead to tangible improvements in the lives of Ugandans. "Our job is not only to hold the government to account but to propose real, credible alternatives. The people of Uganda deserve a government that is responsive to their needs, and it is up to us to provide that leadership," he said.

The workshop's agenda includes insightful presentations from experts, including officials from the Parliamentary Budget Office, civil society organizations, and policy analysts, who are offering guidance on Uganda's national budget. The primary focus of these discussions is to devise policies that will redirect public funds toward effective service delivery, eliminate wasteful expenditure, and ensure that every shilling is spent with integrity. By focusing on these issues, the Opposition aims to present a robust alternative budget that will challenge the current government's budget proposals.

Ssenyonyi made it clear that the alternative budget being formulated would be the result of extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including political parties, civil society groups, and other relevant organizations. He stressed that the process must be inclusive and reflect the concerns and aspirations of the Ugandan people. "This budget is not just for us in the Opposition or for political elites—it is for the citizens of Uganda. We want to make sure that the priorities and needs of the people are at the heart of this budget," Ssenyonyi affirmed. "We want Ugandans to see themselves reflected in this budget. It must be a budget that resonates with their daily struggles and hopes for a better future."

In his closing remarks, Ssenyonyi urged all workshop participants to engage actively in the discussions, as the decisions made during this session would have a significant impact on Uganda’s future. "This is not just another routine gathering. This is a pivotal moment for us to come together and craft a budget that will contribute to a more transparent, efficient, and accountable Uganda. Our country’s future depends on the choices we make today."

He concluded his speech by reiterating the importance of a strong commitment to accountability and the fight against corruption. "Let our 2025/26 alternative budget reflect our unwavering commitment to transparency, fairness, and the well-being of our people. We owe it to the citizens of Uganda to act decisively and ensure that every public resource is put to good use," Ssenyonyi said before officially declaring the workshop open.

The workshop, which marks the beginning of a series of consultations, is expected to serve as a critical step in crafting policies that will not only provide an alternative to the government's proposals but will also serve as a blueprint for a more accountable and prosperous Uganda.