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A group of opposition leaders and politicians who gathered at the Parliament when LOP Joel Ssenyonyi tabled the budget (Photo by Milton Niinga)
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By Milton Niinga
The opposition in Uganda, yesterday, unveiled an alternative budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, aimed at combating corruption and ensuring efficient service delivery. This budget stands in contrast to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s proposed budget, which is currently being drafted for parliamentary approval. Dubbed “Combating Corruption: A Sure Path to Effective Service Delivery,” the alternative budget, worth sh43 trillion, prioritizes key sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. It also advocates for a human rights-based approach to addressing the country’s economic and political challenges.
Kyagulanyi: Opposition provides policy alternatives
National Unity Platform (NUP) party president Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, commended the efforts of the opposition team in drafting the budget.
"I thank the team, under the leadership of the Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, and the Shadow Cabinet for doing an incredible job in highlighting our alternative vision for Uganda," Kyagulanyi said.
He dismissed claims that the opposition merely criticizes President Yoweri Museveni without offering solutions.
"Many times, regime apologists claim that we only criticize President Museveni and fail to present policy alternatives. However, our team has consistently outlined what we would do differently if we were in government," he stated.
Corruption as the greatest obstacle to service delivery
Kyagulanyi asserted that corruption remains Uganda’s biggest challenge, attributing it to President Museveni’s leadership. "My message focused on one simple truth: corruption is the greatest evil our country faces. Its chief architect is Gen. Museveni and his criminal regime. Therefore, you cannot fight corruption until its chief architect is removed and replaced by a government that truly serves the people of Uganda," he said.
Key features of the opposition’s alternative budget
Kyagulanyi emphasized the need for increased funding for infrastructure, with a proposed allocation of sh6.549 trillion to the works and transport sector.
"Our budget aims to eliminate corruption by ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending. We prioritize human rights by focusing on essential services such as healthcare and education," he insisted.
The alternative budget presents a unique approach to addressing Uganda’s economic challenges, centering on transparency, accountability, and a human rights-based governance model.
A group picture of opposition leaders in the country who gathered at the Parliament when LOP Joel Ssenyonyi tabled the budget (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Lukwago: Kampala has been neglected
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who attended the budget presentation at Parliament, criticized the government's handling of the capital city.
"Kampala has long been treated as if it belongs to the President’s family and relatives," Lukwago remarked.
He accused President Museveni of undermining elected opposition leaders at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), warning that such actions tarnish Uganda’s image.
"When you visit other countries and see how well-managed their capital cities are, you can’t help but wonder what the NRM government truly wants for Ugandans. Why can't our people have a clean and properly developed city?" he lamented.
Opposition decries corruption’s impact on service delivery
Under the theme "Combating Corruption: The Sure Path to Effective Service Delivery," opposition leaders condemned what they described as rampant corruption under the NRM government, which they claim has severely hindered service delivery across all sectors.
In the 2024/2025 budget, Parliament had allocated sh750 billion for critical projects, including ambulance procurement, bridge maintenance, the construction of sub-county headquarters, and support for income-generating initiatives. However, these allocations were later rejected by the government.
Bushenyi District Woman MP Annet Katusiime criticized the move, stating that essential services had been deliberately excluded from the upcoming budget.
"Last year, we planned to elevate health centers, construct schools, and establish sub-county headquarters. These projects had already been communicated to the public, but the Ministry of Finance rejected them instead of incorporating them into the 2025/2026 budget," Katusiime said.
She described the exclusion of these projects as "very unfortunate and regrettable," emphasizing that they remain national priorities.
Opposition leaders in attendance
The budget presentation was attended by key opposition figures, including Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) party president Jimmy Akena, People's Progressive Party (PPP) leader Sadam Gayira, Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) mobilizer and former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza, and Conservative Party (CP) president Ken Lukyamuzi, popularly known as "The Man."
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