Politics 17 April 2026 Parliament of Uganda
MPs Slam Science Ministry Over Shs46bn Idle Innovation Funds
Uganda's Budget Committee has summoned Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation officials to account for Shs46 billion in unspent funds for two years, including Shs25 billion for anti-tick research. Lawmakers decry the inactivity as potential abuse of office amid stalled livestock disease solutions. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4407/shs46bn-idle-funds-science-ministry-leave-mps-furious
The Budget Committee of Parliament has called in officials from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to justify why Shs46 billion allocated for innovation projects remains unused for two straight financial years.
This action stems from a report by the Committee on Presidential Affairs, which found the funds, released for FY 2024/2025, sitting idle in Uganda Development Bank accounts. No disbursements have reached beneficiaries, including those for critical anti-tick research to combat livestock diseases and promote local solutions.
Hon. Alex Byarugaba, Chairperson of the Presidential Affairs Committee, highlighted the urgency of tackling tick-borne diseases during his presentation on April 17, 2026. He noted Shs25 billion in grants for anti-tick developers has languished unused for two years.
Budget Committee Chairperson Hon. Patrick Isiagi Opolot labeled the delay ‘unacceptable’ and suggestive of abuse of office, questioning the accounting officer’s inaction. MPs demanded accountability and threatened to block future funding.
The STI ministry must appear before the committee within a week. Hon. Stephen Baka Mugabi advised referring the issue to the full House, as the Budget Committee’s powers are limited at this stage of FY 2026/2027 budget scrutiny.
Source: Parliament of Uganda