By Arigaweesa Tonny
The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has called for transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayers’ money to support private enterprises.
Ssenyonyi made the remarks during an oversight visit to the Africa Coffee Park in Rwashamire, Ntungamo District, where he planted a coffee tree alongside other legislators.
Speaking during the visit Ssenyonyi emphasised that while the government’s support for private ventures is commendable, it must follow a clear and fair process.
“The idea of the government supporting private enterprises in and of itself is not a bad idea. Even our National Unity Platform (NUP) government will do that because our time is coming,” Ssenyonyi stated.
“What we have been asking in Parliament is that there should be a clear modus operandi. How does a private entity get to be supported by taxpayers’ money?”
The Africa Coffee Park project includes a coffee value addition plant, coffee gardens, a coffee tourism city, a business center, a sports complex, and an airstrip.
Ssenyonyi expressed optimism about the project’s potential to elevate Uganda’s coffee industry but stressed the importance of ensuring value for money in such initiatives.
He referenced past concerns about government-funded projects, citing the stalled Lubowa International Hospital as an example of poor oversight.
“We visited Lubowa Hospital, and they wouldn’t let us in. We had to climb somewhere and peep, only to find nothing. I told my colleagues that maybe the hospital is being built underground,” he said.
During the visit, Ssenyonyi highlighted the enduring significance of coffee as a key export for Uganda.
“This coffee is here to stay for ages regardless of what happens. Coffee outlives governments, regimes, and human beings. I am hoping, Tugume Nelson, that you are growing this company to outlive you,” he stated.
The legislators were taken on a tour of the facility and shown various coffee products developed by the Inspire African Group.
Ssenyonyi reiterated the opposition’s commitment to advocating for fairness and accountability in government dealings, particularly in the allocation of public funds to private enterprises.
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