Buganda Kingdom to spend Shs257bn in 2024/25
Buganda Kingdom presented the Budget for the Financial Year 2024/2025, amounting to Shs257 billion, an increase from the Shs209 billion of the previous financial year.
Health and alleviating the Kabaka's subjects from poverty are some of the key priorities in this budget.
In the Shs209 billion budget for the previous financial year, Shs210 billion was received.
The key focus areas, such as human development, health and sanitation, agriculture, land preservation, environment conservation, cooperative markets, and education, were achieved, and the expected funds were collected and even exceeded.
Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, the kingdom's treasurer, said this time they will focus on health and sanitation, fighting HIV/AIDS, access to clean water, and completing the construction of three hospitals in Buddu, Ssingo, and Kyaggwe.
Other areas of focus will see the kingdom fight to reduce poverty by encouraging people to grow more coffee, engage in cooperatives, and other activities.
While presenting the budget, Nsibirwa noted that the past financial year had numerous challenges, including a significant drop in maize prices and foot and mouth disease affecting livestock in some cattle-keeping areas of Buganda.
“Some parents were not able to take their children back to private schools because they lost a lot of money they had invested in maize and livestock,” Nsibirwa said.
Nsibirwa said that although most taxes are collected from Kampala, Kyaddondo and other parts of Buganda, the services provided to taxpayers are insufficient.
He also complained about the manner in which tax collectors handle taxpayers and the unjust setup.
One of the sources of revenue in the previous budget was the 'Luwalo Lwaffe' initiative, which generated Shs1.5 billion.
This initiative continues to gain popularity every year.
The newly prepared budget fits well into the five-year strategic plan 2023/2028 launched on Monday, outlining the kingdom's programs for the next five years.
Other allocations of Shs257 billion
- Shs68.9bn for agriculture, trade, and cooperatives
- Shs63.5bn for investments
- Shs36.9bn for activities in the Kabaka's office
- Shs24.5bn for land restoration, building renovations, and management
- Shs23.4bn for education
The remaining Shs39.8 billion will be allocated to other areas
