Gov't to borrow sh2.4trillion for modern artillery

Jul 08, 2015

Government is seeking Parliament’s approval to borrow sh2.4trillion to purchase what it has identified as classified equipment for further strengthening of the military and security infrastructure.


By Moses Mulondo

Government is seeking Parliament’s approval to borrow sh2.4trillion ($740.5m) from Russia to purchase what it has identified as classified equipment for further strengthening of the military and security infrastructure.


Asked why government is seeking such a huge loan for military equipment when the country has so many pressing unfunded priorities, the state minister for finance, David Bahati said: “All expenditures aimed at supporting our national security are necessary. The details of what will be purchased are classified.”

The finance minister Matia Kasaija said: “Extract the statements I made in my budget speech on security sector. In my budget speech I clearly indicated that national security and defence would the number one priority in the 2015/16 financial year.”

In his budget speech, Kasaija said, “specific emphasis will be placed on the acquisition of modern weaponry, strengthening intelligence, training and welfare.”

Justifying the need to allocate security more resources, the Buyanja County MP said, “Peace and national security is an important pre-requisite that we must not take for granted. It forms the fundamental basis for all we seek to achieve.”

The finance ministry is expected to table the loan request before Parliament this week.

Army MP Phinehas Katirima said: “Other sectors cannot thrive unless you have security. Security is necessary for you to be able to work in The New Vision. Buying military equipment is not like buying tomatoes in Nakasero market. Security is very expensive.”

The Leader of Opposition in Parliament Wafula Oguttu said: “All those are avenues for getting as much money as possible for ‘buying’ votes in the coming elections.”


 


 

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