Parliament's budget committee recommends shs288bn for Namboole renovation

The Budget Committee of Parliament has recommended allocating Shs288 billion for the renovation of Mandela National Stadium also known as Namboole in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.

The committee also proposed the phased provision of funds for the construction of other stadiums and training facilities needed for the tournament.

Achia Remigio, the Vice Chairperson of the Budget Committee, highlighted that Uganda is set to host AFCON 2027.

He emphasised the need for Shs97 billion for phase 1 of the stadium renovation, Shs84.996 billion for phase 2 focusing on the swimming pool, and Shs105.541 billion for phase 3 covering the indoor arena.

"To ensure effective funding, the committee recommends the inclusion of the required funds in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and budgets for the upcoming financial years. This will prevent last-minute interventions. Furthermore, it is advised to distribute the training facilities for the teams across all the hosting stadiums,"he said.

The Budget Committee also urged the government to implement an earlier recommendation to withdraw Uganda's membership from 111 international organizations.

A study revealed that out of the 308 organizations Uganda subscribes to, only 197 are relevant.

The Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament reported that Uganda's outstanding dues to international organizations as of June 30th, 2023, were as follows:

• United Nations: US$452,800 (Shs1.731 billion)
• Organization of Islamic Cooperation: US$595,166 (Shs2.278 billion)
• African Union: US$829,363.46 (Shs3.169 billion)
• Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD): US$4,561,865 (Shs17.445 billion)
• International Conference on the Great Lakes Region: US$530,497.76 (Shs2.030 billion)
• World Food Program: US$3,931,476 (Shs15.046 billion)
• Commonwealth Secretariat: GBP17,869 (Shs86,698,874)
• UN Peacekeeping Operations and Tribunals: US$232,329 (Shs1.236 billion)

Remigio expressed concern that Uganda's failure to pay its contributions hampers its rights to participate, speak, and vote during international meetings, summits, and the ability to nominate candidates for positions in international organizations.

This situation has a detrimental effect on the country.