IPC decries N$11m defence budget cut
Threatens military preparedness and troop morale
Aloysius Kangulu said the reduction of the ministry's budget from N$7.494 billion to N$7.483 billion was "short-sighted" and could threaten the nation's stability.
Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament Aloysius Kangulu has raised alarm over what he describes as a “worrying” reduction in Namibia’s defence budget, warning that the cut could undermine national security, troop morale and the country’s disaster preparedness.
Speaking during the mid-year budget review debate in parliament last week, Kangulu criticised the N$11 million reduction to the defence ministry’s budget, from N$7.494 billion to N$7.483 billion, as short-sighted and potentially detrimental to the nation’s stability.
“Though this may appear minimal on paper, its implications for a sector already operating under budgetary strain cannot be overlooked,” he told the National Assembly. “Our defence force continues to face significant operational challenges, from ageing infrastructure and inadequate equipment to welfare concerns among service members.”
The Appropriation Amendment Bill for 2025, tabled by finance minister Ericah Shafudah, seeks to reallocate existing funds between government votes without changing the overall budget ceiling of N$89.4 billion.
Shifting priorities
While the total figure remains constant, Kangulu argued that internal reallocations reflect shifting national priorities and that defence appears to have lost ground.
He warned that the military’s operational readiness could be compromised at a time when the country faces growing threats, including smuggling, human trafficking and illegal resource exploitation along its borders and coastline.
“At a time when our borders face increased risks and the military is often called upon for humanitarian and disaster relief operations, any reduction in defence funding may inadvertently undermine national preparedness and troop morale,” Kangulu cautioned.
While welcoming increases to the education and health budgets, he insisted that government must find a balance between social investment and national security.
“Development cannot flourish in an environment of instability, and stability cannot be maintained without a capable, well-resourced defence force,” he argued.
“The Ministry of Defence is not merely an expenditure centre, as many may think; it is an essential pillar of peace, sovereignty and national unity.”
Core needs
Kangulu stressed that while the opposition supports fiscal prudence, spending cuts should be accompanied by transparent justification and performance-based accountability.
He called on parliament to strengthen oversight by conducting mid-year defence expenditure reviews and urged the ministry to table a detailed plan outlining how reduced funds will be managed without compromising core operations.
“Reductions must be accompanied by measurable performance targets,” he said. “We must move beyond routine expenditure to outcome-driven spending that reflects professionalism and accountability within our defence institutions.”
Reconsider cuts
The shadow minister further recommended that government prioritise local procurement, training and capacity building within the defence sector to ensure that economic value remains within Namibia.
He also urged closer collaboration between the defence and veterans affairs departments to safeguard veterans’ welfare and reintegration support.
In his closing remarks, Kangulu appealed to Shafudah to reconsider the N$11 million cut, arguing that the morale and readiness of the country’s armed forces hinge on adequate funding.
“Our brave men and women in uniform deserve a budget that matches their sacrifice and commitment in safeguarding our republic,” he said. “Namibia’s peace and stability must remain non-negotiable priorities, even amid economic adjustment.”
Speaking during the mid-year budget review debate in parliament last week, Kangulu criticised the N$11 million reduction to the defence ministry’s budget, from N$7.494 billion to N$7.483 billion, as short-sighted and potentially detrimental to the nation’s stability.
“Though this may appear minimal on paper, its implications for a sector already operating under budgetary strain cannot be overlooked,” he told the National Assembly. “Our defence force continues to face significant operational challenges, from ageing infrastructure and inadequate equipment to welfare concerns among service members.”
The Appropriation Amendment Bill for 2025, tabled by finance minister Ericah Shafudah, seeks to reallocate existing funds between government votes without changing the overall budget ceiling of N$89.4 billion.
Shifting priorities
While the total figure remains constant, Kangulu argued that internal reallocations reflect shifting national priorities and that defence appears to have lost ground.
He warned that the military’s operational readiness could be compromised at a time when the country faces growing threats, including smuggling, human trafficking and illegal resource exploitation along its borders and coastline.
“At a time when our borders face increased risks and the military is often called upon for humanitarian and disaster relief operations, any reduction in defence funding may inadvertently undermine national preparedness and troop morale,” Kangulu cautioned.
While welcoming increases to the education and health budgets, he insisted that government must find a balance between social investment and national security.
“Development cannot flourish in an environment of instability, and stability cannot be maintained without a capable, well-resourced defence force,” he argued.
“The Ministry of Defence is not merely an expenditure centre, as many may think; it is an essential pillar of peace, sovereignty and national unity.”
Core needs
Kangulu stressed that while the opposition supports fiscal prudence, spending cuts should be accompanied by transparent justification and performance-based accountability.
He called on parliament to strengthen oversight by conducting mid-year defence expenditure reviews and urged the ministry to table a detailed plan outlining how reduced funds will be managed without compromising core operations.
“Reductions must be accompanied by measurable performance targets,” he said. “We must move beyond routine expenditure to outcome-driven spending that reflects professionalism and accountability within our defence institutions.”
Reconsider cuts
The shadow minister further recommended that government prioritise local procurement, training and capacity building within the defence sector to ensure that economic value remains within Namibia.
He also urged closer collaboration between the defence and veterans affairs departments to safeguard veterans’ welfare and reintegration support.
In his closing remarks, Kangulu appealed to Shafudah to reconsider the N$11 million cut, arguing that the morale and readiness of the country’s armed forces hinge on adequate funding.
“Our brave men and women in uniform deserve a budget that matches their sacrifice and commitment in safeguarding our republic,” he said. “Namibia’s peace and stability must remain non-negotiable priorities, even amid economic adjustment.”
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