The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has strongly criticised the government over what he described as “selective and unfair” allocation of public funds to a handful of private companies.
Speaking during a recent address, Ssenyonyi accused the government of diverting billions of taxpayers’ money to favored entities while neglecting to clear domestic arrears owed to local suppliers and contractors.
He cited several firms that have reportedly received substantial government funding, including Inspire Africa Coffee in Ntungamo, which was allocated Shs180 billion, Dei Biopharma with Shs724 billion, Atiak Sugar Factory receiving Shs668 billion, and Roko Construction Company granted Shs263 billion.
According to Ssenyonyi, the continued financial support to these companies comes at a time when many Ugandan businesses that supplied goods and services to the government remain unpaid, leaving them struggling to stay afloat.
He warned that failure to settle domestic arrears is crippling the private sector and undermining economic growth, as affected businesses face mounting debts, layoffs, and in some cases, closure.
The opposition leader called for greater transparency and accountability in public expenditure, urging the government to prioritize clearing outstanding payments to local contractors and suppliers.
The government has previously defended its investments in selected companies, arguing that such funding is aimed at boosting industrialization, creating jobs, and strengthening Uganda’s economy.
