Busia residents want Independence Day funds redirected to health services

What the report says

Residents in Busia District, eastern Uganda, are urging the government to redirect money used for national Independence Day celebrations toward health services. According to The Independent Uganda, the appeal came as Uganda marked 64 years of independence on October 9, with locals saying public health facilities still struggle with medicine shortages, limited ward space and other service gaps.

The article says residents estimated that about Shs3 billion had been spent on the celebrations and argued that such funds could be better used to buy medicines, improve hospital wards and strengthen government health facilities. Residents including Annet Nabwire and James Efumbi said the district’s health system needs more reliable funding because patients continue to face stockouts and inadequate accommodation when seeking treatment. Another resident, Angela Kisakye, also called for tougher action on alcohol abuse, which she said is harming development.

The concerns were raised during Independence Day events held in Dabani Sub-county, Busia District. Religious leaders also weighed in: Bishop Samuel Bogere Egesa supported the government’s decision to suspend budgeting for national functions, saying some districts still face basic development needs. Other speakers used the occasion to pray for peace, anti-corruption efforts and what they described as spiritual independence. More broadly, the story reflects a recurring tension in Uganda between spending on national ceremonies and directing resources toward essential public services.