President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has unveiled Uganda’s national budget for the financial year 2025/2026, totaling Shs 72.376 trillion. Speaking at the budget presentation ceremony held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, Museveni declared that Uganda’s economy has “taken off” and urged leaders across all sectors to ensure budget allocations translate into tangible performance and accountability.
The budget was delivered under the theme: “Full Monetization of the Ugandan Economy Through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialization, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation, and Market Access.” As mandated by Article 155(1) of the Constitution, the budget was formally presented by Finance Minister Hon. Matia Kasaija, on behalf of the President, and had already received parliamentary approval.
Citing figures from the Finance Ministry, President Museveni noted that Uganda’s economy now stands at $61 billion using exchange rate calculations and $174 billion by purchasing power parity. With a population of approximately 45 million, Uganda has transitioned from being a least developed country to a lower middle-income nation. He emphasized economic indicators such as GDP growth, currency and price stability, job creation, rising export earnings, and increased foreign direct investment as evidence of this progress.
President Museveni reminded the nation of Uganda’s economic journey, recalling that the GDP was just $3.9 billion in 1986. Highlighting the country’s growth more than twentyfold since then, he urged Ugandans not to overlook this achievement amid technical discussions.
This year’s budget is aligned with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) covering 2025/26 to 2029/30. It prioritizes sectors grouped under ATMs: agro-industrialization, tourism, minerals (including oil and gas), and ICT. It also emphasizes investment in enabling infrastructure and services vital for business growth.
Beyond figures, President Museveni raised concerns about inefficiencies and mismanagement in budget implementation. He cited issues such as the diversion of funds intended for Luweero veterans and the delayed compensation for cattle lost during conflict in regions like Teso, Lango, and Acholi. He called on leaders to actively follow up on such allocations and ensure transparency.
On sports infrastructure, the President questioned expenditures linked to projects like the Kakyeka Stadium, urging the National Council of Sports to account for funds received and update the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni.
Touching on security, Museveni defended the controversial rollout of digital number plates, asserting they are a crime-fighting tool, not a revenue collection mechanism. He cited the June 10, 2025 murder of Wayengera Godfrey in Mukono as a reminder of the need for surveillance tools like these plates to support law enforcement efforts. He clarified that while fines may have been introduced due to budget constraints, the primary objective is national security.
Museveni reiterated the government’s commitment to poverty eradication through initiatives like NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and Emyooga. He praised government scientists and innovators for transformative projects such as clonal coffee production, the dairy industry’s expansion, and the Kalangala palm oil project.
The President also condemned the widespread practice of political bribery and vote-buying disguised as fundraising. He warned voters against accepting small cash handouts that ultimately undermine their power to elect leaders capable of overseeing public funds and fighting corruption. Drawing from Uganda’s cultural traditions, he clarified the difference between state-sanctioned goodwill gestures and illicit political bribery.
Museveni criticized the unsustainable expectations placed on Members of Parliament to fundraise large sums for constituents. He encouraged community-based contributions—okusonda—instead of dependency on a few individuals. Recalling his father Mzee Kaguta’s humble contributions in the 1950s, he illustrated the effectiveness of collective effort over showy, exploitative generosity.
The President urged religious and community leaders to hold politicians accountable for unexplained wealth. “Ask them, ‘Where are you getting this money from?’” he advised, stressing the moral responsibility of elders and guardians to discourage corrupt practices.
Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among commended President Museveni for fulfilling his constitutional obligation and reaffirmed Parliament’s dedication to participatory governance. She emphasized that the budget was the product of collaborative effort among various stakeholders, including civil society and the public.
Among encouraged citizens to remain actively involved throughout the implementation phase, not just in planning. She stated that people-centered governance must be reflected in every stage of the budget cycle—from approval to execution and evaluation. Parliament, she said, had approved ministerial policy statements between April 9–16 and passed seven key revenue bills designed to enhance government revenue collection.
During the budget presentation, Finance Minister Kasaija announced a projected 6.4% economic growth rate for FY2025/26. He credited Uganda’s fiscal discipline, infrastructure investments, and robust private sector for this momentum. According to the Minister, Uganda met the UN criteria for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in March 2024, marking a major milestone in its development journey.
Education and health remain top priorities, with Shs 11.4 trillion allocated under the Human Capital Development Program. The funds will support teacher salary enhancements, classroom infrastructure, digital learning, and curriculum reforms. Additional investments will support youth skilling through Presidential Industrial Hubs and the Skilling Uganda Program.
Debt servicing consumes a significant portion of the budget—Shs 28.5 trillion—comprising interest payments, external debt, and domestic arrears. The budget is financed through Shs 37.2 trillion in domestic revenue, Shs 11.3 trillion in domestic borrowing, Shs 11.3 trillion in external project support, and Shs 10 trillion earmarked for domestic debt refinancing.
Transport infrastructure has been allocated Shs 6.8 trillion, including Shs 2.2 trillion for roads and Shs 1.17 trillion for the Standard Gauge Railway. Minister Kasaija listed several priority road projects and noted progress on the rehabilitation of the Tororo-Gulu rail line, scheduled for completion by February 2026.
Key wealth creation initiatives remain central to Uganda’s economic strategy. The PDM will receive Shs 1.075 trillion, Emyooga Shs 100 billion, and the informal sector Shs 3 billion. The Uganda Development Bank is set to receive Shs 414 billion to finance agro-industrial and manufacturing enterprises.
Kasaija also reassured the public that inflation is under control and highlighted the Ugandan shilling’s resilience as one of Africa’s most stable currencies.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Members of Parliament, diplomats, and other dignitaries
