The Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities has decried budget cuts in the budget framework paper saying that they are going to cripple the sector and that the money can’t even finish to pay wages for workers in the sector.

This was revealed by the Minister Tom Butime and State Minister for Tourism Martin Mugara while appearing before parliaments committee on Trade, Tourism and Industry to table the budget frame work paper for next financial year 2023/2024.

The Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities says the current budget cuts will likely hinder its operations.

The Permanent Secretary Doreen Katusiime informed the committee that their budget has reduced from 195 billion in this financial year to 89.2 billion shillings in the next financial year and added that the budget cuts are going to affect the payment of salaries of 3450 staff in the different agencies under the ministry.

 This will also affect other activities like marketing and promotion of 80 billion shillings.

Katusiime says that the budget cuts will affect infrastructure, product development and conservation which requires 289bn, regulation and skills development requires 57.2 billion shillings and asked the committee to assist them to ensure the budget is reinstated.

The Executive Director of Uganda Tourism board Lily Ajarova informed the committee that in the next financial year they have been given 4.3 billion shillings which she says is too little to cover their wage bill of 4.4 billion shillings.

The Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority Sam Mwandha informed the committee that they will receive 21.3 billion shillings that can't meet their wage bill of 56 billion.

The Chairperson of the Committee Mwine Mpaka informed the agency that they are likely to become food for the animals at this rate and they will do whatever they can to see how the ministry of finance will turn its figures.

Other members on the committee revealed urged the MPs to ensure that they assist the agencies to ensure the money is included in the budget while others noted that they are frustrated with what they were seeing and noted that government is operating like a drunkard.

The committee will meet other ministries in preparation for financial year 2023/2024.