State House Comptroller Highlights Challenges in Presidential Donation Process
State House Comptroller, Jane Barekye has acknowledged the challenges of managing the influx of Presidential donations during her testimony before Parliament’s Presidential Affairs Committee on August 13, 2024. She highlighted issues stemming from persistent demands from ministers during Cabinet meetings, stating, “It’s impossible to plan for these donations. We can’t budget UGX 500 billion without knowing the recipients.”
Barekye’s comments responded to concerns raised by Members of Parliament, including Kazo District Woman Member of Parliament, Jennifer Muheesi, about the backlog of unpaid pledges causing distress in communities. Muheesi warned, “The outstanding donations are causing significant problems. We need a solution.”
For the 2024/25 national budget, State House has requested an additional UGX 30 billion for donations, citing an inadequate existing budget amid rising demands. This sentiment was echoed by Hon. Stephen Kangwagye(Bukanga), who urged colleagues to support the request for more funding to sustain the President’s philanthropic activities.
The Minority Report on the budget revealed that out of a total UGX 160 billion allocated for donations, more than half of it is designated for the Presidency. The report indicated that the Presidency plans to spend UGX 77 billion on community outreaches and UGX 57 billion on initiatives, totaling UGX 136 billion.
Other government entities, including the Office of the Prime Minister, Parliament, and the Government Chief Whip, have various donation budgets, adding to the overall financial landscape of presidential and governmental contributions.
