By The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has come under sharp scrutiny in Parliament after revelations that it allocated Shs115 million for HIV/Aids mainstreaming activities including condom distribution, medical camps, and World Aids Day celebrations despite crippling financial constraints affecting its core legal functions.
The debate erupted during discussions on the Ministry’s 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper, where MPs questioned the justification of channeling limited funds to health-related activities in a ministry already struggling to meet its primary justice obligations.
“This is a clear indication of misplaced priorities,” remarked a legal analyst familiar with the ministry’s financial operations. “While it’s important to support HIV/Aids efforts, doing so at the expense of vital justice services is not sustainable.”
Lawmakers were particularly furious that such allocations were prioritized as the ministry faces deep budgetary cuts, including a significantly reduced non-wage recurrent budget and development budget. The ongoing JLOS House project, meant to streamline service delivery and save the government millions in rent, is one of the key initiatives grappling with underfunding.
“The ministry’s budget, while appearing substantial at Shs215.776 billion, masks severe shortfalls in operational areas essential for justice delivery,” said Minister Norbert Mao while acknowledging the financial strain. However, his defense of the HIV/Aids allocation only intensified parliamentary criticism.
“I didn’t come here to talk about sex,” Mao told MPs, invoking the late Philly Bongole Lutaaya’s early advocacy on HIV/Aids awareness. “To trivialize the debate on condoms undermines the milestone Uganda has achieved in the fight against HIV/Aids.”
MP Odur, who had initiated the debate, hit back at the Minister’s comments: “There is no room for his words of trivialization. Mr. Chairman, call him to order to stop the classification.” He argued that his concern was about resource prioritization, not the legitimacy of HIV/Aids programs.
The clash comes as the Ministry faces increased pressure to justify its expenditures and demonstrate better financial management. With arrears alarmingly increasing and frontline legal services stretched thin, the Shs115 million HIV/Aids expenditure has become a lightning rod for larger concerns about the ministry’s ability to prioritize and deliver on its core mandate.
