Shadow Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development Hon. Lubowa Ssebina Gyaviira has urged the government to reconsider its spending priorities, particularly the amount of money allocated to security and defence.
Lubowa argued that more resources should be directed towards sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure and programmes aimed at improving people’s livelihoods.
“As a country, we need to reduce the money injected into security and defence; we are not at war with anyone,” he said.
The opposition legislator said that although national security remains a key responsibility of government, there is need to ensure that budget allocations match the country’s current development needs.
He noted that increased investment in productive sectors could help strengthen the economy and improve the wellbeing of Ugandans.
His remarks come as discussions continue over government expenditure and the balance between security requirements and funding for social services.
Government has previously maintained that security and defence allocations are necessary to protect Uganda’s stability and address regional security challenges.
Lubowa’s statement has contributed to the wider debate on how public resources should be prioritised to support Uganda’s long-term development goals.
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