Engineers' Response to Budget 2004/'05

UACE was on the whole pleased with the new financial year proposal by the government of Uganda. It reflected recognition of a number of issues raised by both the association and Business Services Primer . In particular, it laid more emphasis on the following in comparison to past in our view:

Sustenance of positive gross domestic product (GDP) growth; modest tax policies; enabling Uganda Investment Authority further; mitigating traffic carnage; minimizing environmental degradation; prudent measures to raise revenue; promotion of internal manufacture and addition of value; diversification of exports and penetration of new markets; encouraging greater savings; Government focusing on policies and regulation; opening up communication sector; good measures for rural and urban water access;?seeking better land utilization. Presidential Scientific Innovation Award, with an allocation of Ushs 400 million, leaps in education and war against AIDS, access to water and a better agricultural framework need commendation.

For more on views and opinions of UACE, visit the website, www.uace.or.ug where newsletters and other materials are freely accessible.