A new political debate has emerged in Uganda after an opposition activist accused the government of spending heavily on foreign lobbying while key domestic challenges remain unresolved.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 16, National Unity Platform (NUP) activist Daniel Kawuma claimed that the administration of President Yoweri Museveni is spending more than $500,000 (about Sh540 million) annually on lobbying firms in the United States.
The remarks follow recent disclosures under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which show Uganda has expanded its lobbying presence in Washington.
The filings indicate that the government has hired multiple firms to engage U.S. policymakers, Congress, and the media.
According to the documents, Uganda earlier contracted Washington lobbyist Joseph Szlavik through Scribe Strategies & Advisors at a monthly fee of $25,000, translating to $300,000 annually.
The deal came amid increased international scrutiny following the 2026 general elections.
Additional filings show that Moran Global Strategies Inc. has since joined the effort, working alongside Skyline Capitol LLC, which will receive $20,000 per month starting July 2026.
This raises the total known lobbying expenditure to at least $540,000 annually, excluding other related costs.
Kawuma questioned the government’s priorities, pointing to ongoing socio-economic challenges in the country.
“Millions of young people remain unemployed, hospitals lack essential medicines, and public schools are under-resourced,” he said.
“Spending such amounts abroad raises serious questions about accountability.”
He further argued that the increased lobbying efforts coincide with growing criticism of Uganda’s governance, including concerns over human rights, electoral credibility, and institutional independence.
The Ugandan government has not formally responded to the latest claims.
However, officials have previously maintained that engaging lobbyists abroad is a common diplomatic practice aimed at strengthening international relations and promoting national interests.
The disclosures are expected to fuel debate within Uganda, particularly around public spending and governance, as the country faces mounting pressure both domestically and internationally.
Kawuma insisted that improving Uganda’s global standing requires internal reforms rather than external influence.
“Legitimacy cannot be bought through contracts,” he said. “It must be earned through the trust of the people and strong democratic institutions.”