FDC: 2026/27 Budget 'Written for the Comfort of Those in Power'

Uganda's Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has sharply criticized the proposed National Budget for the Financial Year 2026/27, labeling it as out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary Ugandans and heavily favoring government and security spending.

During a media briefing at the party headquarters, FDC Vice Chairperson Centenary Robert Franco stated that the party's review of the 84.39 trillion Ugandan Shilling budget revealed significant structural imbalances and increasing fiscal pressure on citizens. "THIS BUDGET WAS NOT written for the ordinary Ugandan. The budget was made for the comfort of those in power," Franco declared.

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THIS BUDGET WAS NOT written for the ordinary Ugandan. The budget was made for the comfort of those in power.

The FDC warned that Uganda's public debt, currently estimated at 126.19 trillion Shillings (approximately USD 34.86 billion), is approaching unsustainable levels. The party attributed this to ongoing corruption and inflated contracts, estimating that 20 to 30 percent of the budget, or between 16 and 25 trillion Shillings, disappears annually due to corruption, ghost projects, and inflated procurement.

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It is estimated that between 20 and 30 percent of Uganda's budget does not reach its intended destination. This means, out of Shs 84.39 trillion this year's budget, between Shs 16 trillion and Shs.25 trillion will disappear into corruption, ghost projects, and inflated procurement.

The party also questioned the allocation of 10.21 trillion Shillings to security, governance, and the rule of law, including 5.03 trillion Shillings for the Ministry of Defence. Franco argued that this expenditure exceeds what is allocated to critical sectors like health for 48 million people, education for over 10 million schoolchildren, and rural water needs.

Furthermore, the FDC condemned new tax measures, such as increased taxes on fuel, cooking oil, sugar, cement, and motorcycle registration. They argued these levies disproportionately harm the poorest families, as essential items like cooking oil are not luxuries but household necessities. The party also criticized State House expenditures, reportedly exceeding 800 billion Shillings.

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Uganda is not at war with any foreign nation... Yet the budget for this small group exceeds what is spent on the health of 48 million people, the education of over 10 million schoolchildren, and the water needs of rural communities across the country.

As an alternative, the FDC outlined a "people's budget" that calls for increased funding for health, education, and agriculture, alongside reductions in security and administrative spending. Key proposals include allocating at least 15% of the budget to health and education and recruiting more health workers.

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Cooking oil is not a luxury. It is a household basic. Taxing it harder hits the poorest families the hardest.