The Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has urged members of parliament to support the merger of more than 30 government agencies, saying the strategic move will result in significant savings of at least Shs1 trillion ($262 million) annually for the nation, local media said.
The leader emphasized the need for a streamlined government structure that supports wealth creators, whom he sees essential to the country's development.
Museveni explained that "the government should focus more on creating wealth by enabling families, companies and individuals to produce and sell goods or services."
"The government will ensure that these wealth creators have peace, infrastructure (such as roads, railways, and electricity), capital, skills and all the needed technical support," the president said.
The proposed rationalization process, if implemented, will witness 33 agencies integrated into their parent ministries, 35 agencies consolidated and merged into 19 entities, while 80 agencies will retain their semi-autonomous status, the media said.
In late January, Museveni called on developing countries to work together to achieve a just economic order in the world, speaking at the opening of the G77 Third South Summit.
He then stressed that Uganda is giving priority to the development of market in agriculture, industry, services and telecommunications.