Budget Favors Politicians and Chokes Local Biz

Uganda's government approved a budget worth 72.3 trillion shillings for the coming year. The spending plan grew larger during election season when politicians spend more money. Leaders gave huge amounts to popular programs that help them win votes. Private businesses received only 4.5 billion shillings compared to over one trillion for political projects. The gap shows how elections change government priorities.

Government borrowing takes up one third of all budget money and hurts private companies. Banks prefer lending to government because it pays better and carries less risk. Business owners cannot access loans easily when government borrows heavily from local banks. Interest rates rise and force many companies to close or reduce operations. Workers lose jobs when businesses struggle to find affordable credit.

The budget gives very little help to local companies compared to foreign ones. Foreign businesses often receive support from their home countries before entering Uganda. Local companies must compete against subsidized foreign firms without similar government backing. This policy prevents Ugandan businesses from growing and expanding to other countries. Government focuses spending on keeping current leaders in power rather than building strong businesses.