Some economic and social analysts have warned that the traditional familiarisation tours carried out by newly appointed cabinet ministers could undermine the government’s newly introduced austerity measures if allowed to continue unchecked.

Barely a week after the new ministers were sworn in, the government introduced stringent spending controls aimed at reining in public expenditure, measures that include a 30 percent cut to ministers’ monthly fuel allocations. 

Analysts say the real test will be whether those measures are applied consistently across the board. 

“The government must strike a clear balance,” said economist Christopher Mbukwa. “Austerity is not just about announcing cuts — it is about consistent and fair implementation. If some leaders continue with costly field tours while others are asked to tighten belts, public confidence in the policy will quickly evaporate.”

Mbukwa added that while similar cost-control directives are announced almost every fiscal year, selective enforcement has been the main weakness. 

“We see good policy on paper, but without even-handed enforcement it becomes little more than rhetoric,” he said.

Social commentator Caesar Kondowe welcomed the austerity drive but urged ministers to rethink how they conduct oversight of projects.

 “At a time when the country must cut costs, ministers should prioritise desk-based scrutiny, reviewing project reports, receiving briefings and using virtual meetings where possible, rather than costly travel,” Kondowe said. “This will reduce unnecessary spending and still allow ministers to perform their oversight role.”

The two analysts called on the government to demonstrate seriousness in enforcing the controls, saying that symbolic measures will not deliver the savings needed if senior officials are exempt from the discipline they expect of others.

Efforts to get immediate comment from the Chief Secretary to the Government, Dr Justin Saidi, and Government Spokesperson Shadric Namalomba were unsuccessful. Both officials were not immediately available for comment.