An economist and Member of Parliament-elect for Rukiga Constituency, Patrick Kiconco Katabaazi, has welcomed the Opposition’s effort to present an alternative national budget, describing it as an important step toward strengthening transparency and public debate on Uganda’s finances.
On 7th April 2026, Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi tabled an alternative Shs71.4 trillion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, warning that rising debt obligations and rigid expenditures are squeezing service delivery, while drawing parallels with last year’s fiscal plan that faced similar criticism over debt sustainability and limited fiscal space.
Presenting the proposal in Kampala, Ssenyonyi described the government’s projected Shs78.2 trillion budget as misleading, arguing that more than half of the funds are already pre-committed to debt servicing and administrative costs.
In his analysis of the proposed National Unity Platform (NUP) Alternative Budget for the 2026/27 financial year on Sunday, Katabaazi commended the Leader of the Opposition and his team for producing a document that seeks to address key national concerns, including poverty, public debt, and inefficiencies in government spending.
He noted that the opposition’s spotlight on critical issues, such as delayed infrastructure projects, rising domestic arrears, and the burden of public debt, adds valuable pressure for accountability and improved service delivery.
According to Katabaazi, such scrutiny is essential in ensuring that public resources are used effectively for the benefit of all Ugandans.
However, the economist emphasized the need for greater precision and consistency in budget planning. He pointed out that discrepancies in figures, such as poverty statistics and sectoral employment data, highlight the importance of rigorous analysis to maintain public confidence in policy proposals.
Katabaazi further stressed that credible budgeting requires clear trade-offs, where increased spending in one sector is matched by reductions or efficiencies elsewhere. He encouraged policymakers to align their proposals with realistic financial constraints to ensure that commitments made to citizens can be fully delivered.
On social protection, he acknowledged the merit of expanding support to older persons but urged careful balancing to avoid creating unfunded obligations. He also warned that certain fiscal proposals, particularly those affecting domestic debt management, must be handled with caution to safeguard economic stability.
Despite the concerns raised, Katabaazi underscored that the opposition’s documentation of fiscal challenges, such as wasteful expenditure and project delays, provides a strong foundation for constructive national dialogue.
He called on all stakeholders, both in government and opposition, to prioritize accuracy, responsibility, and transparency in budget-making, noting that Uganda’s development depends on honest numbers, informed choices, and collective accountability.
