By Timothy Okurut
The 28th Guild Government has seen an increase in its budget compared to those of previous Guild Governments’ budgets. The document that was presented by the Minister of Finance, Hon. Glenn Kanagulira, during the plenary sitting held on February 27th totals Shs250 million, a 17% increase compared to the budget passed by their predecessor.
During the sitting to have the budget’s first hearing, the document was scrutinised with some minor revisions being made. Kanagulira told the house that his focus was to ensure that the finances allocated to allowances and stipends for Guild officials fall below the 50% mark, changing a situation that governments in the recent past have experienced. “It wouldn’t be good for us to use more than 50% of the budget; the money is for the students,” he said.
Consequently, the budget for allowances and stipends of the Guild officials currently stands at 43% pending the passing of the budget.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Derrick Kakooza cautioned the Members of Parliament (MPs) that the budgetary model doesn’t have to be the same as previous ones as he called on them to make creative inputs to use the finances better. He further suggested that a faculty approach to allocating the funds could create more impact.
“I would rather that we give every school and faculty $100 for every activity, because ministerial activities sometimes don’t target many people,” Kakooza said.
The MPs are expected to convene after the Ministry of Finance has made the necessary revisions to finalise the budget proceedings and pass it.
During the same sitting, the Guild President, H.E Abraham Elomaboni addressed the Parliament on the state of affairs of the student body. He notified the house of an upcoming Student Affairs board meeting and urged the MPs to write reports of their various constituencies which he plans to present to the board.
“I would like you to deliver detailed and informed reports to aid the report I will deliver highlighting our first 100 days,” he said.
