Billions of Shillings have been earmarked for the purchase of vehicles, new security equipment and household items for State House, the official residence of Ugandan president Gen Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni and his family, among other functions lined up for the 2024-2025 financial year.
In next year’s national budget, State House is seeking Shs57.14bn for a number of functions but only Shs21.7bn has been provided. This means that, if not revised, the budgetary allocation could see State House operate with a deficit of Shs35.4bn.
State House needs Shs14.4bn for another phase of renovating State House. It also requires about Shs13.5bn for the purchase of new security equipment. Up to Shs8bn is needed for the president’s travel abroad.
About Shs6.5bn is required for the procurement of vehicles for the president.
Appearing before the presidential affairs committee, Jane Barekye, the State House Comptroller said these items requiring billions of money were all important for the presidency to operate smoothly.
“For the smooth operations of the Presidency, State House operates various equipment for security, household, press, office and transport,” Barekye explained.
“The operations of the Presidency require a large fleet of vehicles for both the Principals and support staff. State House also operates a Presidential jet and helicopter.”
Museveni, his family and State House have been on the spot over their huge budget, with some wondering whether the president and his wife eat a whole cow everyday. Others have wondered why the president of a poor country spends a lot of money on clothes and beddings. (See Details Here and There).
