Parliament has approved a €169 million loan from UK Export Finance and CitiBank to fund Phase Two of the Solar Powered Irrigation Systems Project. The decision, however, sparked heated debate, with legislators divided over accountability, scrutiny, and the exclusion of Karamoja from the initiative alongside the need for service delivery.

‎Parliament has passed the approval of the loan to borrow over 168 million euros from the UK Export Finance and Citi Bank for the development of the Solar Powered Irrigation Systems Project Phase 2.
‎Ambience
Following the motion moved by the Minister of Finance, Hon. Henry Musasizi, some legislators rose to disagree with the 169 million euro loan approval, citing that it lacked the adequate documents to support it emphasizing the need for accountability.
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While some members opposed the approval of the loan, citing concerns over accountability and inadequate scrutiny, others questioned why the Karamoja sub-region had been excluded from the project. They argued that Karamoja, being one of the driest areas in the country, is in greater need of water infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity and support farming activities. ‎
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The minister of finance, however, also faced backlash for the untimely proposal of the loan that had been delayed and was brought to the floor of parliament just a few days for its approval by the funding organization, UK Export Finance. It was also questioned on when the funds would be spent. In response, the minister apologized for the late submission, noting that in the future, the loan approvals would be brought on time.

Despite the backlash on the proposed loan, most members supported its approval, citing that the irrigation project would help many farmers across the different regions.

In support of the proposed loan, the leader of the opposition mentioned the need for accountability, scrutiny, and following the right procedures.