Overview:
Experts and local leaders warn that weak early planning and limited public input are stalling key infrastructure projects and undermining Uganda's 2026-27 budget.
KAMPALA, Uganda — As the government prepares the 2026-27 national budget, experts and local leaders are calling for increased public participation to ensure that resource allocation aligns with the needs of ordinary citizens.
The push for engagement comes as the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development begins discussions on the National Budget Framework Paper. Stakeholders warn that without grassroots input, the budget risks remains a technical exercise that fails to address the service delivery gaps seen in rapidly growing areas like Wakiso.
Julius Mukunda, executive director of the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group, said the current process often moves too fast for meaningful citizen involvement.
“Early budgeting is not just about starting the process on time — it’s about starting it with everyone at the table,” Mukunda said. He noted that when people at the parish or district level are not consulted, the final budget often fails to reflect their local priorities.
In Wakiso, officials say limited participation and funding delays have already impacted essential services. District Chairperson Matia Lwanga Bwanika said during a recent budget conference that despite being a major revenue contributor, the district receives allocations that do not meet its infrastructure and health care demands.
The district’s approved budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year was approximately 153.4 billion shillings, but only 93.25 billion shillings was released by the end of the third quarter. With most funds covering salaries and recurrent costs, only 16% remained for development.
Samuel Mwesigwa, the Wakiso district engineer, said community forums known as barazas have helped bridge the gap by providing technical officers with local insights on issues like drainage and flooding.
“Barazas can be unpredictable, but they make us more transparent and responsive to the people,” Mwesigwa said.
The 2026-27 budget will be the first under the next government term and the first to include revenues from the start of commercial oil production. Kenneth Mugambe, former director of budget at the finance ministry, said early and inclusive planning is the only way to ensure value for money and avoid unplanned expenditures.
Parliament is expected to begin public hearings on the draft budget immediately following the conclusion of the 2026 presidential and parliamentary elections.