Government Seeks 79 Billion Shillings for Merging Agencies

The Committee on Public Service and Local Government, led by Hon. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, has put forth a recommendation for the allocation of Shs79.3 billion in the Financial Year 2024/25 to facilitate the merging of government agencies. This proposal emanates from the Ministry of Public Service, aiming to enhance efficiency through the consolidation of various government agencies and parastatals.

During a session with the Committee on Budget on Monday, January 15, 2024, MP Mapenduzi defended the ministry’s request, emphasizing that the consolidation is a strategic move to curb high government public expenditures, as well as eliminate redundancies and the duplication of functions within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The requested funds are earmarked for covering gratuity, pension, and severance packages for the affected staff.

The Shs79.3 billion allocation is crucial for supporting public servants affected by the rationalization process, according to Mapenduzi’s presentation before the Budget Committee. In light of this, the Committee recommends that the government expeditiously carries out the mergers, mainstreaming, and transfer of the agencies, providing a comprehensive report to Parliament before the conclusion of the financial year.

However, some Members of Parliament (MPs) on the Budget Committee expressed concerns regarding the process. MP Iddi Isabirye (NRM, Bunya County South) argued that a Bill on rationalizations should have preceded the request for funds. He proposed that the Budget Committee refrain from immediate consideration, citing the absence of a discussed Bill.

Hon. Paul Omara (Indep., Otuke County) echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the Bills crucial for handling the rationalization process, as recommended by Parliament, have not been presented before the House. He raised a pertinent question regarding the Minister for Public Service’s commitment to bringing these Bills before Parliament within the next four months.

In response to these concerns, Mapenduzi assured the Committee that he would follow up on the matter with the Minister for Public Service, aiming to address the gaps in the legislative process.