The Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee has urged the government to allocate Shs756.988 billion to the Electoral Commission (EC) to kick-start preparations for the 2026 general elections. This call comes amid concerns over delays in disbursing funds to implement the electoral roadmap, which, according to committee chairperson Robina Rwakoojo, has fallen significantly behind schedule.
Rwakoojo disclosed that the EC’s planned activities for the electoral roadmap were slated for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years, with a total budget of Shs765.6268 billion. However, only Shs8.638 billion has been provided so far, leaving a substantial shortfall.
Highlighting the statutory timelines and sequential nature of these activities, Rwakoojo emphasized the need for an additional allocation of Shs756.9888 billion to ensure that the commission can carry out essential tasks before the upcoming general elections.
The committee’s report, presented on Friday, April 12, was debated and approved during the plenary session chaired by Speaker Anita Among. Apart from the electoral commission’s funding, the report also addressed other budgetary matters related to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
MPs urged the government to fulfill its commitment to allocate Shs11.16 billion, approved in 2017, to enhance the remuneration of the commission. Additionally, Rwakoojo proposed a request for Shs3.50 billion to cover allowances for part-time teachers at the Law Development Centre (LDC), citing the adverse impact of inadequate funding on the institution’s operations.
In response to the growing case backlog, the committee also endorsed the allocation of Shs11.407 billion to recruit more state attorneys. Kalungu West County MP Joseph Ssewungu emphasized the importance of addressing staffing shortages in lower courts to ensure effective legal representation for both the government and citizens.
The recommendations put forth by the committee underscore the critical need for timely and adequate funding to uphold the integrity and efficiency of Uganda’s electoral process and legal system.
