Summary:
- During an oversight visit to Africa Coffee Park in Rwashamaire, Kajara County, Ntungamo District on Wednesday, Ssenyonyi emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in government funding for private projects.
NTUNGAMO: The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, has urged the government to establish clear guidelines for using taxpayers’ money to support private enterprises.
During an oversight visit to Africa Coffee Park in Rwashamaire, Kajara County, Ntungamo District on Wednesday, Ssenyonyi emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in government funding for private projects. While expressing support for initiatives that aid private enterprises, he stressed that such investments must deliver tangible benefits to taxpayers.
“As we have said before, it is generally not a bad thing for Government to extend support to private enterprises, but there must be a criteria/guidelines on how individuals can be supported, so that any business person who needs Government support can apply. Also, it is imperative for Government to sign a proper Memorandum of Understanding with such private entities, and the entity ought to ensure that the tax payer money extended to them is put to good use”. Ssenyonyi said.
Ssenyonyi called on Africa Coffee Park to ensure its government funding leads to meaningful value addition and growth in the coffee sector. He also criticized previous investments in projects like Atiak Sugar Works, Lubowa Specialized Hospital, and Roko Construction, which he said failed to deliver sustainable results.
“Government has been silent on the amount extended to this project so far, but the factory proprietor told us that Government has so far committed $20m (75bn shs). We hope that the Minister of Finance and that of Science and Technology who is in charge of this project will confirm this matter soon”. He noted.
CUE IN SSENYONYI…..ON GOVERNMENT…..LUG/ENG//
Meanwhile, Ntungamo Woman MP Hon. Josselyn Bata Kamateneti praised the government for its efforts to boost the coffee value chain. She urged the establishment of more coffee hubs nationwide to create jobs for the youth and enhance coffee prices through value addition.
Nelson Tugume, CEO of Africa Coffee Park, explained that the project, launched in 2020, focuses on advancing the coffee value chain through technology, research, and innovation.
Tugume revealed that the government has so far invested $20 million and expressed optimism for additional funding to promote community economic growth.
CUE IN TUGUME….ON THE MATTER…..RR//
