Government expects to save approximately Shs959 billion upon completion of the Rationalization of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) programme by June 2027, as part of efforts to reduce public expenditure, eliminate duplication and improve service delivery.
The RAPEX programme, adopted in 2021, seeks to streamline more than 150 government agencies and public entities by merging or dissolving institutions with overlapping mandates.
So far, 40 entities have undergone rationalisation, of which 23 have been dissolved, while the remaining 17 are still pending completion of the process.
The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, says Cabinet has confirmed that the anticipated savings will be redirected towards improving service delivery across government institutions.
Lumumba said ministries must adequately prepare to receive and integrate agencies whose functions are being merged into their structures without disrupting public services.
She cited the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) as one of the entities expected to undergo the merger process by June 2027.
However, the programme has raised concerns over its financial implications.
The Auditor General’s 2026 report has highlighted Shs46.8 billion in costs associated with reabsorbing staff from rationalized agencies into their parent ministries, alongside outstanding liabilities amounting to Shs932 billion.
The figures raise questions about the overall cost of the rationalization exercise and whether the projected Shs959 billion in savings will be fully realized once the process is completed.
Government is expected to conclude the exercise by June 2027, with the ultimate objective of creating a leaner, more efficient and cost-effective public service.
By Olivia Nabaggala
3rd Nov 2026
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