The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has launched a budget workshop aimed at crafting the Opposition’s alternative budget for the 2025/26 financial year. The event, attended by political leaders, civil society representatives, and policy experts, seeks to strengthen the Opposition’s ability to propose credible policies that challenge the government while offering Ugandans practical and sustainable solutions.

This year’s budgeting process is centered on the theme, “Combating Corruption: The Sure Way to Effective Service Delivery.” In his opening remarks, Ssenyonyi emphasized that corruption remains the greatest obstacle to Uganda’s development. He called for a collective effort to address the malpractice that continues to cripple key sectors such as education, healthcare, and employment.

Ssenyonyi criticized the persistent misuse of public funds, pointing out that while the government often claims resources are scarce, billions of shillings are lost annually due to mismanagement, inflated contracts, and outright theft. “These are not just abstract figures,” he said. “They represent stolen opportunities for our children, our communities, and our future.”

To illustrate the gravity of corruption, Ssenyonyi shared a metaphorical story about an elderly farmer who worked tirelessly to provide food for his family. Over time, the farmer noticed his food disappearing and discovered that rats had found their way into his granary. The farmer realized that simply setting traps wasn’t enough—he had to block every entry point to stop the loss at its source. Drawing a parallel to Uganda’s current situation, Ssenyonyi stressed that tackling corruption requires more than reactive measures. “We must find every crack, block every entry, and stop the loss at its source,” he asserted.

Ssenyonyi highlighted how corruption directly affects service delivery, citing the struggles of teachers managing overcrowded classrooms, the lack of employment opportunities for young people, and inadequate healthcare services. “These are the real consequences of corruption,” he noted.

Anticipating criticism from government officials, Ssenyonyi said, “Those in power may try to discredit us, but if standing up for fairness makes us disruptive, we should wear that label with pride. If demanding accountability is seen as complaining, then we must raise our voices even louder, because if we do not speak up for the people of Uganda, who will?”

He urged his colleagues to act decisively, emphasizing that the workshop was not just another routine gathering but a critical moment for strategic planning. “Our duty as the Opposition is not just to criticize the government but to offer real solutions. Ugandans are looking for leadership, answers, and hope,” Ssenyonyi said.

The workshop’s agenda includes presentations from experts, including the Parliamentary Budget Office and civil society organizations, to provide insights into the national budget. The focus is on developing alternative policies that redirect public funds toward effective service delivery, eliminate wasteful expenditure, and tackle corruption.

Ssenyonyi underscored that the alternative budget is being formulated through extensive consultations with political parties, civil society groups, and other stakeholders. “We want Ugandans to see themselves reflected in this budget,” he said. “It must address their real concerns.”

In his closing remarks, Ssenyonyi called on participants to engage actively, stressing that Uganda’s future depends on decisive action against corruption. “Let our 2025/26 alternative budget reflect our unwavering commitment to accountability, zero tolerance for corruption, and the well-being of our people,” he concluded.

Ssenyonyi then officially declared the workshop open, urging attendees to use the session to craft policies that will contribute to a more transparent and efficient Uganda.

The Opposition’s focus on corruption in its alternative budget reflects a growing recognition of the need to address this pervasive issue. By prioritizing anti-corruption measures, the Opposition aims to redirect public funds toward critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and job creation, ensuring that resources are used effectively to benefit all Ugandans.

As the workshop progresses, the Opposition’s alternative budget is expected to offer a clear contrast to the government’s spending priorities. By emphasizing accountability and transparency, the Opposition hopes to inspire confidence among Ugandans and demonstrate that a different approach to governance is possible.

The 2025/26 alternative budget represents an opportunity for the Opposition to present a vision for Uganda that prioritizes the needs of its people over the interests of a few. With corruption remaining a significant barrier to development, the success of this initiative could have far-reaching implications for the country’s future.

As Ssenyonyi and his team work to finalize the alternative budget, their efforts serve as a reminder that the fight against corruption requires not only political will but also the active participation of all Ugandans. By standing together, they can build a brighter future for generations to come.