The Presidential Affairs Committee has called for funding of critical national projects and programmes like the Buyala landfill.
Presenting their report before the before the Budget Committee on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, the Chairperson, Hon. Alex Byarugaba highlighted key funding requirements for agencies such as the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) which is seeking to have another waste management area.
The proposed Buyala landfill project under KCCA emerged as a top priority, with Byarugaba urging the Budget Committee to allocate sufficient resources for its development.
“The committee recommends that Shs108 billion be allocated of which Shs45.6 billion is for the Buyala landfill development, Shs14 billion for the decommissioning of Kiteezi landfill and Shs8.1 billion for compensation of the 48 households that were affected by the disaster,” he said.
The urgency of developing the Buyala landfill follows the collapse of the Kiteezi landfill on 10 August 2024, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 30 lives.
Byarugaba added that while Shs10 billion is required for garbage collection, only Shs3.6 billion has been provided in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
The committee also highlighted critical infrastructure needs for the Office of the President, particularly concerning office accommodation for Resident District Commissioners (RDCs).
With most RDCs operating from rented premises, the committee recommended allocating Shs3.5 billion annually to construct five offices per year, compared to the current allocation of only Shs700 million.
State House also featured prominently in the committee’s presentation, with significant funding gaps for retooling and operational support.
The retooling budget, which includes refurbishment of Entebbe State House, upcountry lodges, and procurement of specialised security and ICT equipment, faces a Shs6 billion shortfall.
The Vice chairperson of the committee, Hon. Remigio Achia said there needs to be a policy and strategy on government and construction of its training venues, offices and buildings so that there is no duplication, especially in relation to National Development Plan IV.
Bukanga County South MP, Hon. Stephen Kangwagye faulted the Committee on Presidential Affairs on its priorities adding that there appears to be wastage in some of the requests.
