By Wasike Elvis
In a move that has sparked criticism from various quarters, the Ministry of Defence has announced that it will be scrapping the long-standing lunch subsidy for the country’s defense forces. The subsidy, which has been in place for several years, will be replaced by a “pay-as-you-eat” (PAYE) plan beginning July 1, 2025. The change was communicated to military officers in a memo signed by Major General Mohammed Nur Hassan, citing inefficiencies and ineffectiveness in the current subsidy program.
The lunch subsidy, which had been intended to provide a daily meal for personnel on duty, has faced scrutiny over the years for its purported failure to address the needs of the forces in a practical and sustainable manner. However, the decision to eliminate it has met with backlash from many who argue that the move places an undue burden on the soldiers, who already face numerous challenges in their line of duty.
Critics, including former presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame, have expressed concerns that the government’s focus on cutting subsidies for the defense forces is misguided. According to Kigame, the decision is a “poorly thought-out priority,” especially given the persistent inefficiencies in other areas of government spending, such as the budget for Statehouse, foreign trips, and the creation of numerous task forces.
In a statement, Kigame suggested that the government should begin by reducing wasteful expenditures and tackling corruption at the top levels of government rather than targeting the defense forces. "Instead of penalizing our men and women in uniform, the administration should first focus on eliminating unnecessary spending in areas that do not directly contribute to the welfare of the nation," he said.
The memo from the Ministry of Defence pointed out that the shift to the PAYE plan was designed to address issues of inefficiency within the current subsidy program, which had been deemed unsustainable in its current form. However, the move has not been well-received by all. Some have argued that the decision could further demoralize troops who are already dealing with a range of challenges, including underfunding and inadequate resources.
The move to scrap the lunch subsidy comes at a time when the government is looking to cut costs and streamline public expenditure, but critics argue that there are other more pressing issues that require attention. Many have called on the government to focus on eliminating corruption and improving the overall management of public funds, rather than cutting benefits to those who serve in the military.
As the July deadline for the implementation of the new policy draws closer, it remains to be seen whether the government will reconsider its decision or proceed with the changes as planned. What is clear, however, is that the decision to scrap the lunch subsidy has ignited a wider conversation about priorities and fairness in government spending.