Opposition Members of Parliament Geoffrey Ekanya and Ronald Balimwezo have asked Parliament to consider capping classified expenditures allocated to State House, citing concerns about potential misuse of public funds and the lack of transparency surrounding the spending.
Speaking at Parliament, Ekanya said such funds risk being diverted to fund political activities, particularly presidential campaigns, under the guise of national security.
“We fear that these funds may be diverted to funding party activities and presidential campaigns, undermining good governance,” he said.
Classified expenditures, traditionally reserved for sensitive national security operations, are reviewed only by a select staff from the Auditor General’s office and reported to a restricted parliamentary subcommittee chaired by the Speaker of Parliament.
This has long drawn criticism from transparency advocates who say the current framework makes it difficult to hold beneficiaries accountable.
Ekanya warned that some legislators have allegedly become beneficiaries of these secretive allocations, a trend he says intensifies ahead of general elections.
“Ahead of the general elections, it’s crucial that we ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds,” he said.
Balimwezo echoed the concerns, arguing that the absence of limits creates room for abuse that can compromise Uganda’s democratic process.
“We need to put a limit on these funds to prevent abuse and ensure that public resources are used for their intended purposes,” he said.
The MPs’ remarks come as Parliament begins scrutiny of the national budget framework, including sensitive allocations to the presidency and security agencies.
Their calls underscore mounting pressure on government institutions to enhance transparency, especially as Uganda prepares for the 2026 elections.
The MPs maintain that subjecting classified expenditures to clearer scrutiny and imposing ceilings would not only protect taxpayers but also restore public confidence in the country’s budgeting process.
Their call for reform adds to a growing chorus of voices urging the Executive to respect financial discipline and institutional checks even in areas considered sensitive or confidential.