KAMPALA, Uganda (BT) — The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has postponed debate on the East African Community’s (EAC) 2025/2026 budget, demanding that the Council of Ministers release funds for pending programs before lawmakers resume scrutiny.
In a special virtual sitting held Monday, the Assembly received the EAC supplementary budget for the current fiscal year and draft estimates for the next financial year. However, a motion introduced by Ugandan lawmaker Jacquiline Amongin led to the deferral of all budget deliberations until earlier financial resolutions are honored.
“The Assembly will not proceed with scrutiny or approval of the new budget until the Council provides the necessary funds to implement outstanding programs, including those of EALA’s committees and plenary sessions,” Amongin said.
The Assembly’s decision cites the Council’s failure to finance statutory activities, which lawmakers argue undermines the legislative process. The resolution also urges the EALA Speaker to consider extending the budget review period under Section 12 of the EAC Budget Act, 2009, if the situation remains unresolved.
The postponement adds uncertainty to the regional bloc’s financial planning ahead of the new fiscal year, which begins July 1.
Lawmakers emphasized that proper funding is essential to ensure institutional operations, oversight, and the passage of community laws critical to the integration process.
