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This proposal was introduced by the Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (Planning), Amos Lugoloobi, during a plenary session on Thursday, April 18.
The Speaker, Anita Among, emphasized the significance of enhancing tourism infrastructure, particularly roads, to increase revenue from this sector.
She stated, “There is a critical need to improve our tourism roads, and today's proposal seeks funding to develop a road linking Kitgum to Kidepo. This development will significantly boost tourism in the Northern region of our country.”
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka addressed concerns about delays in the loan negotiation process, pointing out that these are often due to the necessity of gathering detailed and accurate information to ensure the efficiency of the projects.
The Minister of State for Works, Musa Ecweru, cited issues with outdated road designs as a major hurdle, exacerbated by these delays.
In addition to the loan request, Lugoloobi also submitted a supplementary request totaling Shs1.106 trillion for the 2023/24 financial year.
This supplementary expenditure, as outlined in the Public Finance Management (Amendment) Act (2015), is set to cover various financial commitments including Shs578 billion for a settlement with DEI Pharmaceuticals, Shs125 billion to cover wage and pension shortfalls, and additional funds for the State House and other government departments.
Speaker Among voiced concerns over the prolonged loan approval process, which has lasted more than eighteen months, incurring additional costs such as commitment fees. “We need to consider the time value of money,” she remarked, highlighting the inefficiencies in the current system.
Both the loan and supplementary requests have been referred to their respective parliamentary committees for further consideration.
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