Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Patrick Amuriat Oboi has called on President Yoweri Museveni to downsize the government following the withdrawal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Amuriat argues that Uganda should use this moment to cut administrative costs, including reducing the size of Parliament and eliminating what he describes as "wasteful government expenditures." He believes the government must reassess its spending priorities, particularly in tackling unemployment, which remains a critical issue.

"The government should stop unnecessary expenditures and instead focus on creating jobs and improving service delivery for ordinary Ugandans. The withdrawal of USAID funding may actually be a blessing in disguise if it forces the government to adopt financial discipline," Amuriat stated.

He also cautioned that several organizations reliant on USAID funding may struggle to continue operations, potentially affecting sectors such as health, education, and governance programs.

Amuriat's remarks come amid growing concerns over Uganda's ability to sustain donor-funded projects.

Analysts warn that the country must strengthen internal revenue collection to offset the loss of foreign aid.

Uganda's youth unemployment rate stands at 13.3%, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, and Amuriat emphasized that addressing this challenge should take precedence over excessive government spending.

With USAID's exit, Uganda's economic resilience will be put to the test in the coming months, as calls for austerity measures gain momentum.