Uganda MPs Probe 46 Billion Shilling Innovation Funds Left Idle for Two Years

Mintesinot Nigussie

Uganda’s Parliament has opened scrutiny into 46 billion shillings allocated for innovation programmes after lawmakers found the funds had remained unutilised for two consecutive financial years despite being released to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The Budget Committee summoned ministry officials to explain why the money, disbursed in the Financial Year 2024/2025, has not reached intended beneficiaries and is still held in accounts at the Uganda Development Bank.

A report from the Committee on Presidential Affairs indicated that no disbursements had been made to innovation projects, including anti-tick research initiatives designed to support livestock health and reduce reliance on imported solutions.

“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,” said Hon. Alex Byarugaba, chairperson of the Committee on Presidential Affairs.

Of the total allocation, 25 billion shillings was earmarked as grants for developers working on anti-tick technologies, but the funds have reportedly remained unused for two years, prompting concern over delays in implementation and public financial management.

Members of Parliament questioned why released funds had not translated into project financing, raising concerns over accountability systems within the ministry. The Budget Committee has ordered officials from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation to appear within one week to explain the delay.

Overall, the parliamentary probe into the 46 billion shillings left idle for two years highlights serious governance gaps in Uganda’s innovation funding and could affect future budget allocations to the ministry.