Ugandan Lawmakers Seek Nigeria’s Expertise on Sustainable Borrowing, Public Funds

A group of Ugandan lawmakers has journeyed to Nigeria to acquire expertise in scrutinising government borrowing, loan guarantees and public expenditure. They are attending a five-day training workshop organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja. The delegation's Team Lead, Hon. Avur Jane Pacuto, explained that Nigeria's growing democratic experience makes it an ideal location for their learning.

Pacuto highlighted the committee's responsibility for reviewing and scrutinising government borrowing, grants and guarantees, making the training crucial for their mandate. The lawmakers aim to comprehend how borrowed resources should be used for public benefit, given the potential for wastage and leakages in public funds. They are also keen on learning how African governments can borrow sustainably amidst fluctuating global economic conditions.

The NILDS Director-General, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, emphasised that effective parliamentary performance involves more than lawmaking; it also includes rigorous oversight, public finance scrutiny and accountability in managing national resources. He urged the lawmakers to go beyond examining loan proposal figures and question the purpose, cost, expected returns and sustainability of government borrowing.

Sulaiman stressed that parliamentary oversight should be evidence-driven, demanding credible evidence, identifying risks, assessing alternatives and ensuring public resources are utilised in accordance with national interest. He also emphasised the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area and efforts to strengthen regional economic integration, requiring African legislatures to build stronger institutional and technical capacity.