Overview:
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija emphasized that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government remains committed to strengthening good governance and inclusivity in Uganda’s budget processes.
The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has officially launched the National Budget Month for the Financial Year 2025/26, with a call for greater transparency, citizen engagement, and efficient public investment.
Speaking at the launch event in Kampala on Thursday, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija emphasized that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government remains committed to strengthening good governance and inclusivity in Uganda’s budget processes.
“A responsive budget process is one that leaves no one behind. It is fundamental in building a just and equitable society,” Kasaija said.
He commended the continued collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) since 2018, which he said has promoted budget transparency and accountability. He described the budget month as a crucial platform for bringing the national budget closer to the people, allowing room for dialogue on priorities and concerns.
“It’s an opportunity for all stakeholders to better understand what the approved budget entails and how it will impact their lives,” the minister said.
At the same event, Kasaija also launched the National Public Investment Management (NPIM) Policy, which he said will reform how Uganda plans, implements, and monitors public investments.
“This policy will ensure that every shilling invested delivers real value—through job creation, improved services, and sustained economic growth,” he noted.
Looking ahead to the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), Kasaija said the government’s ambition is to grow the country’s economy from USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion within the next 15 years. Achieving this target, he said, will require strategic planning, efficient resource use, and timely delivery of high-impact projects.
Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, Mr. Patrick Ocailap, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation through increased domestic revenue generation, restrained borrowing limited to critical investments, and improved efficiency in public spending.
He added that throughout Budget Month, the Ministry and its partners will:
- Provide full disclosure of the budget,
- Highlight opportunities available to citizens,
- Account to Ugandans on previous budget commitments, and
- Collect public feedback to inform future budgets and policies.
Earlier at the launch of the National Budget Month, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Commissioner Customs, Abel Kagumire—representing Commissioner General John Musinguzi—emphasized that Uganda’s national ambition is to fully finance its budget using domestic resources. This, he said, is key to reducing dependence on external aid, regaining policy space, and taking full ownership of the country’s development agenda.
“This ambition is not for government alone. It requires the full participation of every eligible citizen. It calls for tax compliance, civic vigilance, and a renewed sense of shared responsibility,” Kagumire noted.
He reaffirmed URA’s commitment to transparency, open dialogue, and quality service, saying the Authority is ready to support every citizen, taxpayer, and stakeholder along the journey to national self-sufficiency.
In a joint statement, civil society actors—through the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG)—commended the government for approving the Public Investment Management Policy and for demonstrating commitment to climate finance.
However, CSBAG Executive Director Julius Mukunda urged the government to prioritize financing for Agricultural Technology and Mechanization Services (ATMS) and local governments. He also called for reduced domestic borrowing and improved facilitation of the private sector to boost inclusive growth and national resilience.
The launch marked the beginning of several public engagements, awareness campaigns, and community dialogues aimed at deepening citizens’ understanding of how the national budget shapes their everyday lives.