The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has disclosed that the forthcoming 2025/26 Alternative Budget will prioritize the fight against corruption, describing it as the biggest impediment to Uganda’s development. He emphasized that, time and again, Ugandans are deprived of essential services under the pretext of insufficient funds, yet reports of embezzled public resources continue to surface.
He made these remarks while addressing the Opposition Caucus during discussions on the Alternative Priority Areas for the 2025/26 Financial Year at Parliament. Ssenyonyi noted that this year’s Opposition budgeting process is anchored on the theme, “Combating Corruption: The Key to Effective Service Delivery.”
“This theme directly addresses the heart of Uganda’s most urgent issues. Corruption remains the most significant obstacle to our country’s progress. Year after year, citizens are told that resources are limited, yet we witness trillions lost to mismanagement, inflated contracts, and outright theft. These aren’t just statistics—they represent stolen opportunities for our children, our communities, and our nation’s future,” Ssenyonyi remarked.
The Opposition Leader also urged Members of Parliament to persist in speaking out against corruption, despite the criticism and backlash they may face for their outspoken stance on the issue.
Ssenyonyi further informed the Opposition Caucus that unlike previous caucus meetings, this workshop is not just another gathering but an opportunity to pause, reflect, and strategize on how best to execute their responsibilities. He stressed that the Opposition’s duty extends beyond merely criticizing the government it must also present viable solutions.
“We must acknowledge that those in authority will often attempt to undermine us. They will label us as overly critical or disruptive. But let me tell you this: if standing up for justice makes us seem disruptive, we should embrace that label with pride. If demanding accountability is perceived as complaining, then we should raise our voices even louder. Because if we do not speak for the people of Uganda, who will?” Ssenyonyi asserted.
“Ugandans are looking for leadership, solutions, and hope. Today, we will hear from experts, including the Parliamentary Budget Office and civil society representatives, who will enhance our understanding of the budget and its impact. But more importantly, we will define the alternative policies and priorities we intend to champion in 2025/26. We must formulate policies that redirect public resources toward efficient service delivery and away from wastage and corruption,” he added.
Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, commended the Opposition for its efforts in combating corruption through Accountability Committees. However, she urged them to go beyond exposing wrongdoers and focus on recovering stolen public funds, as this would be more beneficial to taxpayers than futile prosecutions.
“I acknowledge the great work being done by the Leader of the Opposition and your committees. What is yet to be seen in Parliament’s work is the recovery of misappropriated funds. We are aware that prosecution in this country is ineffective. We have rule by law, where the government only prosecutes its opponents while shielding its allies. Therefore, it would be more impactful for the Leader of the Opposition and your shadow cabinet to push for the recovery of lost funds rather than merely handing over culprits to the police. This would be more beneficial to taxpayers than spending more money on sham prosecutions that lead nowhere, which is yet another waste of public funds,” Bireete stated.
The Centre for Constitutional Governance also urged the Opposition Caucus to pressure the government into prioritizing the financing of essential sectors such as education and healthcare instead of depending on foreign aid.
Bireete added, “I expect the Leader of the Opposition and the Shadow Cabinet to ensure that these critical sectors are fully funded by the government. Whether USAID restores its funding or not, donor contributions should be directed toward less crucial areas, while health and education should remain a government priority. Given our current economic constraints both nationally and globally with a shrinking revenue base and the freeze on donor aid by USAID, critical sectors like health and education have been severely impacted. It is imperative that the government steps up and takes full responsibility.”