Government is set to adjust the 2017/2018 financial year budget to provide funds to cater for hunger stricken people across the country. At least 10 million Ugandans face food insecurity according to the January 2017 National Food Security Assessment Report.
Parliament on Wednesday passed a motion to compel government to declare a state of emergency because of the food crisis. The Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, says cabinet recently resolved to adjust the budget to prioritise the food crisis.
Rugunda, while addressing parliament on Wednesday, also said president, Yoweri Museveni has already directed the Finance Ministry to suspend projects and make the money available for key priorities like the hunger crisis.
Dokolo Woman MP Cecilia Ogwal, questioned why Government is looking for more yet it is holding food in the stores. She explained that despite receiving money for relief food, the food is yet to trickle to those who need it.
Agago North MP Professor Ogenga Latigo, blamed the food crisis on leaders who have failed to tell the president the truth about the unprecedented crisis. According to Latigo, the situation is alarming.
Recently, Government stated that it had diverted Shillings 15 billion meant for local council one polls to procure food relief.
According to the Minister of Finance in charge of planning, David Ba¬hati the 2017/2018 financial year budget will focus on increasing agricultural production and productivity for food security, as well as export pro¬mo¬tion and enhancement of private sector developmental.
