By Jumah Kakomo
Members of Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) are concerned with the ministerial policy statements for the Financial Year ( FY) 2022/23, which were tabled in parliament in accordance with section 13(130 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015 (Amended) amidst the rising prices of essential commodities.
The next financial year 2022/23 is expected to increase by 6% from 44.7 trillion Shillings in the current FY 2021/22 to 47 trillion Shillings.
While addressing the media on Wednesday 04/2022, at Food Rights Alliance (FRA) headquarters Mengo Kampala, Patrick Lubanga from Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group said since the reopening of the economy, the country is experiencing an increase in prices of commodity of almost 100% for some commodities, among others are laundry bar soap which increased by 48%, cooking oil by 78% and fuel by 34 % which is attributed to forces of demand and supply.
Lubanga appeals to government to consider strengthening and enforcing current regulations on essential commodities to guard Ugandans against anti-competitive practices.
“We also want Parliament to expedite the enactment of the competitive and consumer protection bills” Lubanga added.
Agnes Kirabo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Food Rights Alliance commends the government to adhere to the specified timelines of this budget process as contained in the PFMA, 2015 (as amended).
“It’s our hope that also the budget FY2022/23 will also be approved within the specified timelines, despite the current situation in Parliament” she added.
Imelda Namagga programme Manager Uganda Debt Network (UDN) urged government to ensure that the Budget FY2022/23 is geared towards prioritizing economic recovery and safeguarding livelihoods of Ugandans.
