The Minister of Finance Planning and Economic Development Hon Matia Kasaija, has officially launched the National Budget Month for the Financial Year 2025/26, marking a critical moment for government accountability and citizen engagement in Uganda’s budgeting process.
The National Budget Month serves as a platform for the Government to account for the use of public resources in the previous financial year 2024/25 and to highlight the impact of public spending on economic growth and social transformation and also offers a valuable opportunity for citizens to provide feedback on the existing tax regime and proposed fiscal reforms for the coming year.
The National Budget Montb aims to promote awareness and support for Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy and fiscal consolidation agenda, encouraging greater ownership and participation from citizens and stakeholders.
While speaking at the launch event held at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, Minister Kasaija reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to inclusive and transparent governance through a participatory budgeting process.
The Minister said that the National Budget Month brings the approved budget closer to the people and it enables citizens to understand the implications of the national budget on their daily lives and to participate meaningfully in shaping national priorities.
Minister Kasaija noted that since 2018, the Government of Uganda has partnered with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to enhance transparency and expand public participation in budget formulation and implementation.
“This collaboration has helped open up the budget space to all citizens, including marginalised communities and it has improved access to budget information, encouraged constructive public dialogue, and strengthened accountability at every level of government.” Minister Kasaija noted.
Hon Kasaija emphasized that inclusive budgeting is the foundation of a fair and equitable society and called on all Ugandans to actively engage in the scheduled activities throughout National Budget Month and underscored the importance of fostering national dialogue on Uganda’s budget priorities and ensuring that every citizen feels represented in the process.
“ The National Budget Month is not just about figures. It’s about deepening public understanding and promoting national ownership of the budget and It provides a participatory platform where citizens can raise concerns, learn about national investments, and give feedback on government programs” He said.
The Minister hailed the coordination between Government and Civil Society in developing a harmonised calendar of activities that align national objectives with local realities and urged all Ugandans to take interest in how public resources are utilised.
While speaking at the same event, the Acting Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Patrick Ocailap, highlighted that the Financial Year 2025/26 budget is aligned with Uganda’s ambition to grow its economy tenfold to a GDP of US 500 billion dollars by 2040, a vision outlined in the Fourth National Development Plan IV (NDP IV).
He noted that the budget focuses on four critical sectors collectively referred to as the “ATMs” and that is Agro-industrialisation Tourism Development Mineral-based Industrialisation (including oil and gas) Science, Technology and Innovation, which covers ICT and the Creative Industry.
Ocailap made it categorically clear that in order to support these pillars, the Government of Uganda is investing in key sectors such as peace and security, infrastructure development, human capital that include education, health, and water, justice administration, anti-corruption measures and economic monetisation through wealth creation initiatives.
“This budget goes beyond allocating funds, and it’s about transforming Uganda into a modern, inclusive, and self-sustaining economy that delivers for all Ugandans.” Ocailap said.
Ocailap reiterated that the National Budget Month is more than a symbolic tradition, it is a strategic effort to promote transparency and accountability in how public resources are planned, allocated, and utilised.
“During National Budget Month, Government, in partnership with Civil Society Organisations and development partners, brings the national budget to communities, breaking it down into simple language and communicating economic opportunities and most importantly, it gather public feedback to inform future policies and budget decisions.” are explained.
Ocailap emphasised that this approach empowers citizens to monitor and benefit from public programs, thereby strengthening the ownership, impact and effectiveness of national development efforts.
