The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) could not justify its budget allocation of Shs3.363 billion for general goods and services during a session on Wednesday, 20 March 2024.
Led by Acting Executive Director Daniel Nangalama, the UNBS presented their Ministerial Policy Statement and Budget Estimates for 2024/2025 to the Committee on Tourism, Trade, and Industry.
However, the presentation raised more questions than answered, leaving legislators unsatisfied.
Mwine Mpaka, the committee chairperson, expressed disappointment with the UNBS team’s inability to defend key budget items, including the Shs3.363 billion for general goods and services and the Shs2.7 billion for travel and transport expenses.
Mpaka criticized the agencies for their lack of transparency in breaking down the budget and requested additional time for a detailed explanation.
Nangalama and the UNBS team agreed to revisit the budget and provide a comprehensive breakdown. Richard Gafabusa, a Member of Parliament, supported Mpaka’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of accountability in budgetary matters.
Francis Mwijukye, another MP, questioned why multiple entities were struggling to defend their budgets and speculated whether the shift from sector to program budgeting was causing difficulties.
