The International Monetary Fund as of today morning has approved a gigantic US$ 491.5 million to be forwarded to Uganda through its Rapid Credit Facility.
Many Ugandans are particularly not happy at all with the move the IMF has made because according to them, the Government has not been transparent and accountable about huge funds in the recent past.
IMF's Official Tweet
Today, the IMF Executive Board approved US$491.5 million to help #Uganda address the economic impact of the #COVID19 pandemic. https://t.co/aBUbT2rnuC #IMFAfrica pic.twitter.com/4gKo5IRQUe
— IMF (@IMFNews) May 6, 2020
The natives are complaining that this money most likely will not reach the common man even if they cry how but rather will be enjoyed by top government officials.
In particular one Ugandan on Twitter (Names Withheld) said that if many did not get the free food that government tried to distribute to the people because of harsh Covid times then what about money? He wondered.
But however the IMF money does not seem to target the common man although he is the recipient at the very end of the chain and below is the statement of Mr. Tao Zhang, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, IMF on the issue of Uganda ;
“The global COVID-19 pandemic is expected to severely hit the Ugandan economy through several channels, with detrimental effects on economic activity and social indicators. The external and fiscal accounts are expected to deteriorate, creating substantial urgent external and fiscal financing needs.
“To limit the pandemic’s human and economic impact, the authorities have promptly adopted bold preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus, and scaled up health spending to strengthen the health system’s capacity. Interventions to support the more vulnerable have also been introduced. In addition, the Bank of Uganda has swiftly introduced policy measures to support liquidity, preserve financial stability and support economic activity.
The authorities are encouraged to continue to step up social protection programs to cushion the impact on the vulnerable population and to protect health spending allocations over the medium term.
“A temporary widening of the fiscal deficit is warranted in the short term to allow for the implementation of the response plan. Despite a temporary worsening of debt indicators and heightened vulnerabilities, public debt is expected to remain sustainable.
The authorities remain committed to ensuring debt sustainability, including through their efforts to enhance revenue collection and strengthen public investment management.
“The authorities are committed to managing transparently the resources received and will strengthen transparency and accountability.
They plan to report separately on the use of the funds, undertake and publish an independent audit of crisis-mitigation spending and publish large procurement contracts.
“The IMF’s emergency financial support under the Rapid Credit Facility, along with the additional donor financing it is expected to help catalyze, will help address Uganda’s urgent balance of payments and budget support needs.”
Source : IMF Website
