Defence Ministry Seeks Shs 369Bn Supplementary Budget

Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs have sought Parliament approval of the Supplementary Expenditure worth Shs 369.9 billion.

While appearing before the Parliamentary Budget Committee, the sector Minister, Bright Rwamirama said that this supplementary is to cater for payment of those who supplied the Ministry with food, uniforms, fuel among others.

Rwamirama who led the delegation of the Ministry of Defence before the committee defended the supplementary expenditure noting that it is meant to cater for classified expenditure and other critical recurrent expenditure needs.

“Other expenditures include’ Special meals- Shs60.9bn, Fuel (Land forces)- Shs22.3bn, clothing- Shs24.6bn, Medical products (Private hospital bills)- Shs2bn, Classified expenditure- Shs247bn, Fuel for Air force,” Rwamirama said.

But Butambala county MP, Muwanga Kivumbi expressed reservations over the request calling on the Ministry to clarify on the classified expenditure.

Muwanga Kivumbi said that the increasing classified expenditure may become an avenue for government to hide money and later use it for political activities which frustrates the economy.

However, other members of Parliament on the committee including Alex Byarugaba, commissioner of Parliament Peter Ogwanga and UPDF representative Felix Kulayigye reacted back saying that it is not proper for the classified expenditures to be revealed.

Kivumbi insisted noting that there is no corresponding benefits realized from the classified expenditure as far are ensuring security within the country given the prevailing criminality and insecurity in the country.

Commissioner Ogwanga quickly shut him up noting that the country is so stable calling upon him to appreciate the role played by the NRM government as well as the UPDF in safe guarding the country’s borders.

“We were living in camps but now we are here deliberating in Parliament, that is proof enough that it is through this classified expenditure that government has managed to ensure a secure country,” Ogwang said.