Budget Ignored Most Pressing Economic Issues.

Byline: Obed Tindyebwa

On 8 June 2011, Maria Kiwanuka, presented the 2011/12 budget before parliament amidst high expectations from average Ugandans that there will be tax cuts to enable reduction of high transport costs and commodity prices. The budget is projected at Ushs 9,840 billion with domestic revenues projected to finance about 71% unfavourably comparing with last year's 75%. The minister proposed moderate tax changes with no new taxes emphasising stability, predictability and efficiency of the tax system, barely addressing most pressing issues to the 'common man'.

The minister noted that the primary driver of the current inflation is the shock to food …