Uganda's State House allocates billions for brand new cars for the President and Vice President

The State House in Uganda has allocated over Sh21.950 billion for new vehicles for President Yoweri Museveni and his Vice President, Jessica Alupo.
According to Security Minister Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, the new vehicles are necessary to ease road movement for the President and Vice President.
In addition to the vehicle upgrades, the State House has allocated funds for the refurbishment of Entebbe State House, repairs and maintenance of other state lodges, procurement of support vehicles, and annual maintenance of the presidential jet and helicopter.

Uganda's State House is set to spend over Sh21.950 billion on new vehicles for President Yoweri Museveni and his Vice President, Jessica Alupo. The allocation was revealed in the State House budget framework paper currently under review by a parliamentary committee on presidential affairs.

According to Security Minister Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, the new vehicles are necessary to ease road movement for the President and Vice President. The allocation comes amidst a proposed 40% cut on development in the financial year 2023/24.

President Museveni driving Pulse

"There is a need to reconsider the deduction and also consider the fact that the item is grossly underfunded given the ageing fleet of vehicles for the principals," said Muhwezi while presenting the budget to the committee chaired by Adjumani Woman MP Jesca Ababiku.

In addition to the vehicle upgrades, the State House has allocated Sh21.722 billion for the refurbishment of Entebbe State House, repairs and maintenance of Nakasero State Lodge, and 23 other upcountry state lodges. The allocation also covers the procurement of five support vehicles, annual maintenance of the presidential jet and helicopter, specialized and security equipment, ICT equipment, and official and residential furniture.

Despite the allocation, the State House's desired budget for the next financial year 2023/2024 is Sh419.938 billion, leaving a funding gap of Sh35.418 billion. A significant portion of the desired budget, Sh13.468 billion, is allocated for the procurement of security equipment.

When questioned by The Observer on how the failure to purchase new vehicles for the President and Vice President would be a danger to the country, Muhwezi stated that while the President and Vice President can move on foot, it is important to have the vehicles for their timely arrival to necessary locations and efficient collection of information.