The Office of the President is requesting an additional Shs10 billion for the procurement of new vehicles to replace its aging fleet, citing escalating maintenance costs and inefficiencies.
This funding is critical to support the State House’s transport needs, especially during the upcoming election season.
Appearing before the Committee on Presidential Affairs on January 13, 2025, Assistant Commissioner Immaculate Namara highlighted the dire need for increased funding to ensure the fleet remains operational and dependable.
“State House requires an additional Shs6 billion to replace the aging vehicles and ensure the fleet is roadworthy. Only Shs4 billion has been allocated for transport equipment, leaving a significant funding gap,” Namara explained.
She noted that the aging vehicles have become a liability, with frequent breakdowns leading to higher maintenance costs and reduced efficiency.
“The vehicles we rely on are outdated and unreliable. With the election season ahead, dependable transport is crucial to ensure State House activities are effectively executed,” she added.
The funding request is part of the broader Shs399 billion proposed budget for the 2025/2026 financial year.
This includes allocations for other critical areas such as the newly created presidential units, which require an additional Shs3 billion for salaries and gratuities.
However, the focus on transport has drawn particular attention due to its direct impact on the operations of the President and Vice President.
Namara stressed that the current allocation is insufficient to meet the growing demands of the office, particularly during a politically charged period.
Concerns Over Budget Utilisation
Some members of the committee voiced concerns about the frequent funding requests and their impact on taxpayers. Iki Iki County MP, Hon. Robert Kasolo, questioned the efficiency of various State House units, asking whether the funds allocated to fight corruption and address operational challenges were being effectively utilised.
“Despite all this funding we are putting into our budgets to fight corruption in Uganda, are we really making progress, or should we declare that we are defeated?” Kasolo asked.
Striking a Balance
While the need for new vehicles is evident, the committee called for better accountability and strategic utilisation of funds to avoid recurring financial strains.
For now, the Shs10 billion request underscores the pressing challenge of maintaining operational efficiency within the State House amid limited resources.
As Uganda approaches the 2025 elections, the outcome of this funding plea will play a pivotal role in shaping the operational capacity of the President’s office during a critical time.
