A startling revelation emerged during a session of Uganda’s Parliament, sparking concern among lawmakers and the public alike. The Health Committee, tasked with overseeing budgetary allocations for the health sector, uncovered a significant disparity in funding between Mulago National Referral Hospital and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for the 2025/2026 financial year. According to the committee’s findings, Mulago Hospital, the country’s flagship public healthcare facility serving millions of Ugandans, was allocated Shs17.756 billion for specialized medical supplies. In contrast, the URA, the government agency responsible for tax collection, received Shs18.2 billion specifically earmarked for staff medical bills.
The disclosure came during a detailed review of the proposed budget, as parliamentarians scrutinized allocations to ensure equitable distribution of resources across critical sectors. Mulago Hospital, located in Kampala, is a vital institution providing specialized care to patients from across Uganda, often handling complex cases that regional facilities cannot manage. The Shs17.756 billion allocated to it is intended to cover essential medical supplies, including drugs, equipment, and other resources needed to sustain its operations for the entire population it serves. Meanwhile, the URA’s Shs18.2 billion is designated solely for the healthcare needs of its employees, a significantly smaller group compared to Mulago’s nationwide patient base.
Members of Parliament expressed dismay at the imbalance, highlighting the critical role Mulago plays in the national healthcare system versus the relatively narrow scope of the URA’s allocation. One legislator pointed out that while the URA’s workforce is essential to revenue generation, the agency’s staff medical budget surpassing Mulago’s funding raises questions about government priorities, especially given the persistent challenges of underfunding in public healthcare. Lawmakers noted that Mulago has long grappled with shortages of essential supplies, overburdened staff, and aging infrastructure—issues that have been exacerbated by limited financial support.
The Health Committee’s findings prompted a broader discussion in Parliament about the need for a reassessment of budgetary priorities. Some MPs called for an immediate review to ensure that public health institutions like Mulago receive adequate resources to meet the needs of Uganda’s growing population. Others questioned how the URA, an agency funded by taxpayers, could justify a higher medical allocation for its staff than what is provided to a national referral hospital serving the entire country.
The issue remains under active consideration, with Parliament expected to summon officials from both the Ministry of Health and the URA to explain the rationale behind the allocations. The debate has also ignited public discourse, with citizens and healthcare advocates urging the government to prioritize funding for facilities like Mulago, which form the backbone of Uganda’s public health system. The outcome of this parliamentary inquiry could set a precedent for how resources are distributed in future budgets, balancing the welfare of government employees with the pressing needs of the broader population.
