Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has imposed a blanket travel ban on MPs and civil servants abroad to save money for other priority sectors.
When commissioning the Uganda Petroleum Institute-Kigumba (UPIK) facility, an oil exploration training facility, Mr. Museveni said he was unhappy to learn that the institute was incomplete due to lack of funds.
He tells civil servants, deputies and all politicians not to go abroad anymore. “Money is wasted on foreign travel and this is why Kigumba is crying out for money. This is bad planning,” said the Ugandan leader.
Uganda is expected to start commercial oil production in 2025, with China set to be a major financier alongside other oil companies.
The president also proposed freezing subsidies.
Earlier, UPIK director Bernard Ongodia explained that while the World Bank financed the construction of five modern workshops, multifunctional buildings, and a gate for US$15.5 million, the institution provided a fence, a police post, and an extension of the fiber optic network needs for ICT.
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In response, Museveni said; “We shall find funds for staff housing, ICT lab, and fence. You said that you are staying outside and the hyenas are coming and we shall hear one day that the hyena has taken one of the students. How shall we explain this? No please. What is the money needed? We shall look for it.”
In response, Finance Minister Mattia Kasaija said the government could not ban foreign travel.
“Some government officials who travel to get money, such as negotiating loans, among other things, have to travel,” Kasayga said.
“President Museveni did not say that we would ban all foreign travel. He said some trips and asked us to prioritize,” he added.
Mr. Museveni had been in the UAE for a three-day official visit since Sunday.
He is expected to hold talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi.
The President will also attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Summit and hold discussions with government officials and the business community in the UAE.
