Our economy already has too much on its shoulders

Jul 06, 2002

Sometimes when I am seated in my compound and pondering what to do next, I take time off to think about this country. And then I ask myself what Ugandans have done to improve their living conditions

SIR— Sometimes when I am seated in my compound and pondering what to do next, I take time off to think about this country. And then I ask myself what Ugandans have done to improve their living conditions. What are leaders doing to make better the living conditions of the peasant? For purposes of this discussion, I want to concentrate on the latter question. Take a notable look at the first batch of these indicators. Average GDP growth rate of 5% per annum for the last eight years; a per capita GDP of US$320 per annum; a patient-doctor ratio of 22,000 persons per doctor (I stand to be corrected); an infant mortality rate of 120 per 1000 (again I stand to be corrected); etc. And also take a look at another category of indicators. Population/MP ratio of one Member of Parliament for 72,368 citizens; and a population/minister ratio of one minister for every 343, 750 citizens, etc.Whereas Uganda can compare relatively favourably with other developing countries on the first batch of indicators, it compares disproportionately badly on the second batch of indicators. The reason is lack of serious planning on the part of our leaders.Suppose Uganda had half a number of the MPs we have at present and a cabinet half its size, it would save one billion shillings per month. The opportunity cost of a large cabinet and Parliament is poor infrastructure, lack of drugs in health centres, among others.With a per capita GDP of only $320, Uganda does not need 304 MPs (half of whom are either sleeping or dozing in the House), 62 ministers and other political and administrative cadres whose roles are duplicated such as RDCs and DISOs, etc. In any case, with privatisation and the ever-expanding private sector, Uganda does not need a huge government structure. The country needs only a small but efficient structure. The budget has been presented. More needs to be done in terms of the development of this country. Piala MakaKampala

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