The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has welcomed the government’s proposal to suspend funding for most public celebrations, arguing that such events have increasingly become politicized and drifted away from their intended national purpose.
In a statement posted on X, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, announced that the government will no longer fund most public celebrations, opting instead to support religious commemorations such as the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo.
The move is aimed at reducing public expenditure and saving taxpayers’ money.
Speaking to journalists, FDC National Vice Chairperson Robert Centenary said many public events in recent years have largely served as platforms for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) rather than inclusive national functions that bring all Ugandans together.
Centenary noted that suspending such events could help redirect government resources toward more pressing needs affecting ordinary citizens.
He emphasized that funds previously spent on organizing public celebrations and gatherings should instead be invested in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and road infrastructure.
According to the FDC, prioritizing essential public services would improve livelihoods and promote greater accountability in the utilization of public resources.
The party maintains that government expenditure should focus on sectors that directly impact citizens’ welfare and contribute to sustainable national development.
By Charles Katabalwa
1st June 2026
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