The Buganda Kingdom Parliament, known as the Lukiiko, approved its budget for the 2024/2025 financial year, highlighting a significant focus on development, investment, agriculture, and education. The newly approved budget stands at Shs257.4 billion, reflecting an increase from the Shs209.4 billion allocated for the previous fiscal year.
Presenting the budget, Robert Wagwa Nsibirwa, the Kingdom’s 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, noted that revenue collection for the 2023/2024 fiscal year surpassed expectations, reaching Shs210 billion compared to the projected Shs209 billion. This positive revenue performance has allowed for an expanded budget to address key areas.
In the new fiscal plan, Shs61 billion is earmarked for development and investment, Shs47 billion for agriculture, and Shs23 billion for education. On the lower end of the funding spectrum, bank clearance receives Shs35 million, hiring experts Shs58 million, and supporting the Nnaabagereka Foundation Shs54 million.
Nsibirwa outlined several revenue streams to bolster the Kingdom’s finances, including tourism, county activities, partnerships, and educational income. Additionally, the Kingdom aims to reduce expenditures by 25 percent. He emphasized plans to revitalize the Kabaka Education Fund and increase revenue from educational institutions to further boost income.
Tourism is set to play a crucial role in the Kingdom’s financial strategy, with the imminent reopening of the Kasubi Tombs expected to attract tourists and generate significant income. Other cultural tourism sites are also anticipated to contribute to the Kingdom's revenue.
Health initiatives are another focal point in the budget, with Shs3 billion allocated to the sector. The Kingdom plans to establish outpatient health centers in six regions: Singo, Buddu, Kyagwe, Busiro, Bulemeezi, and Kyadondo. These centers aim to provide free medical treatment through the Buganda Kingdom mobile hospital. Additionally, health camps will be organized across all regions to offer free treatment and services to the Kabaka’s subjects.
The fight against HIV/AIDS remains a priority, with continued collaboration with UNAIDS, the Uganda AIDS Commission, and other partners. Nsibirwa mentioned plans to distribute informative flyers and conduct sensitization programs in 100 schools per region to raise awareness about the dangers of HIV/AIDS.
In an effort to promote sports, the Kingdom has instructed regional chiefs to secure land for constructing football grounds, starting with Buddu, Mawokota, Kyaddondo, and Kyaggwe. By the end of the fiscal year, these regions should have designated land for these projects.
Under its innovation initiatives, the Kingdom is launching environmental conservation efforts through the Nalubaale Ebeewo project, focusing on cleaning up water bodies. This project involves collecting plastic waste from rivers, lakes, and springs that connect to Lake Victoria, with active participation from the youth.
Nsibirwa concluded by stating that the budget aligns with the Buganda Kingdom's strategic plan for 2023-2028, aiming to ensure sustainable development and progress in key sectors.
