By The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has criticized the government’s spending priorities in the proposed 2025/26 national budget, arguing that the allocations fail to address pressing concerns affecting ordinary Ugandans.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, UPC spokesperson Sharon Arach Oyat raised concerns over the Shs6 billion set aside for the swearing-in ceremony of the president-elect for the 2026–2031 term.
She questioned the rationale behind allocating such a large sum to a single event, especially when the country continues to grapple with serious challenges such as poor infrastructure, an overwhelmed health sector, and high youth unemployment.
“Does it take Shs6 billion to swear in a president when 90% of our youth are jobless?” Arach asked. “Imagine the impact if that money was redirected towards building roads, creating employment, or strengthening healthcare systems.”
Her comments come in the wake of recent submissions by the Office of the President before the Presidential Election Affairs Committee, where it was revealed that Shs6 billion had been budgeted in the upcoming financial year for the presidential swearing-in event.
Defending the allocation, Hajj Yunus Kakande, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, said the funds would cover expenses such as the security, accommodation, and hospitality of more than 10 heads of state expected to attend the ceremony.
