Mushega Criticises Government’s Spending Habits

Mushega Criticises Government’s Spending Habits:Former Minister Amanya Mushega has faulted the government for neglecting vital sectors like health and education, calling for urgent reallocation of resources to meet Ugandans’ real needs.

Former Minister of Education and Sports Amanya Mushega has delivered a sharp critique of the government, highlighting what he describes as misplaced spending priorities and failure to invest in essential sectors like healthcare and education.

His remarks come amid high-profile Ugandans, including former minister Mary Karoro Okurut, being referred abroad for medical treatment — a situation critics say underscores systemic neglect in Uganda’s health system.

“I want to call on those in leadership: let’s put our money where the needs of Ugandans are,” Mushega said.

Mushega is a veteran Ugandan politician with decades of experience in public service. He was a member of the National Resistance Army (NRA) during the 1981–1986 bush war that brought the current government to power.

Mushega Criticises Government’s Spending Habits

Following the war, he served in multiple ministerial roles, including Minister of Education and Sports (1999–2001), Minister of Public Service, and Minister of Local Government.

He also served as Secretary General of the East African Community.

After opposing the 2005 constitutional amendment that removed presidential term limits, Mushega left the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and became a founding member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), serving as the party’s vice chairperson for western Uganda.

Over the years, he has remained an influential voice on governance and accountability, recently chairing the Education Policy Review Commission established in 2021 to assess and recommend reforms for Uganda’s education system.

Mushega’s criticism of government spending extends beyond healthcare to question the proliferation of political and administrative positions.

“We have the main RDC, a deputy, and two assistants — what is their role to a local Ugandan? We have so many MPs, some of whom don’t even have a minute to speak,” he said.

He also highlighted the neglect of the education sector, citing inadequate resources and poor infrastructure in schools.

“Education and health are the backbone of any nation. Yet our resources continue to be diverted to areas that do not improve the lives of ordinary Ugandans,” Mushega said.

Mushega’s call for change comes at a time when citizens are increasingly questioning the allocation of government resources.

His critique underscores the need for leaders to focus on sectors that directly impact citizens’ lives rather than expanding political structures without tangible public benefit.