Fresh questions have emerged over the government’s commitment to innovation after it was revealed that Shs46 billion allocated to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) has remained unutilised for two consecutive financial years.
The concerns, raised by Parliament’s Budget Committee, follow findings by the Committee on Presidential Affairs that funds released in the 2024/2025 financial year are still lying idle on accounts held by the Uganda Development Bank (UDB).
The money had been earmarked for innovation projects, including research into anti-tick solutions intended to address persistent livestock diseases—a key challenge for Uganda’s agricultural sector. Yet, by the time of the committee’s review, none of the intended beneficiaries had accessed the funds.
Presenting the report, Alex Byarugaba noted the contradiction between policy ambition and implementation.
“The committee observes the burden of tick-borne diseases in Uganda and the need for homegrown solutions to enable import substitution. But by the time of this report, no money had been received by the intended grantees,” he said.
The delay, lawmakers observed, points to deeper structural and administrative challenges within the innovation ecosystem. Of particular concern is Shs25 billion allocated as grants for anti-tick research, which has remained untouched for two years despite the urgency of the problem.
Members of the Budget Committee questioned whether existing accountability and coordination mechanisms within the ministry are adequate to deliver on its mandate.
Committee chairperson Patrick Isiagi Opolot described the situation as troubling, warning that prolonged inaction risks eroding public confidence in government-led innovation programmes.
“To say that money was received and never utilised amounts to abuse of office,” he said, raising concerns about oversight and responsibility within the ministry.
The developments also cast a spotlight on Parliament’s own supervisory role, with some legislators faulting delays in escalating the matter for broader scrutiny.
In response, the Budget Committee has directed officials from the STI ministry to appear within a week to account for the unspent funds. Lawmakers have signalled that failure to provide satisfactory explanations could influence future budget allocations to the ministry.
However, Stephen Baka Mugabi urged a more procedural approach, noting that the committee’s mandate at the appropriation stage is limited and recommending that the matter be referred to the full House for comprehensive investigation.
The issue comes at a time when Parliament is reviewing ministerial budget proposals for the 2026/2027 financial year, amid increasing calls for efficiency, accountability, and tangible outcomes from public investment—particularly in sectors seen as critical to Uganda’s long-term development.
