The National Assembly has commenced the constitutional process of considering the 2025/2026 FY Budget Estimates following their formal tabling before the House.

 Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, presiding over the House on Wednesday, 30th April 2025 urged Members of Parliament to conduct a disciplined and informed debate in the House rather than in public rallies.

 In a Communication, Speaker Wetang’ula confirmed the receipt of the 2025/26 Budget Estimates, setting in motion a critical phase in the country's annual budget cycle. “In line with Article 221 of the Constitution and Section 39 of the Public Finance Management Act, the Budget Estimates now stand committed to the respective Departmental Committees and the Budget and Appropriations Committee for detailed consideration,” said the Speaker.

 Speaker Wetang’ula also announced receipt of the draft Finance Bill, 2025 from the National Treasury. "I also wish to inform the House that I have received a draft Finance Bill, 2025 from the Cabinet. This Bill relates to the revenue-raising measures that support the submitted budget," said the Speaker.

 The Speaker added that, "Upon its publication and First Reading, the Bill will stand committed to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for consideration and facilitation of public participation.”

While addressing the House, the Speaker cautioned Members of Parliament against politicizing the Finance Bill outside the legislative forum. “Villages and school gatherings are not the place to debate fiscal policy. This House is,” he said, urging Members to read, analyze, and debate the Bill in the Chamber.

Minority Leader, Hon. Junet Mohamed echoed the Speaker’s sentiments. “Let us be clear—the official Finance Bill has now been formally submitted to Parliament. What circulated before this was pure speculation,” he stated.

Hon. Junet warned against misinformation and urged lawmakers to base their debates on the authentic document, not on assumptions or social media rumors. “If there are no new taxes, let us say so. If there are, let us explain. But let us not create fiction to excite the public,” Hon. Junet added, calling on Members to uphold integrity in their parliamentary duties.

 The Finance Bill, 2025 will detail revenue-raising measures to support the government’s proposed spending. Once published the Finance Bill, 2025 will undergo Committee consideration and be subjected to public participation. 

“This process must be led by facts, fairness, and fidelity to our constitutional duty,” affirmed the Speaker Wetang'ula.