Gov’t Launches National Budget Month 2026

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has officially launched the National Budget Month 2026, calling on all Ugandans to actively participate in understanding and shaping the country’s budget priorities. The launch, held at the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Kampala on Monday, was officiated by the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, who emphasized the importance of making the national budget accessible and understandable to every citizen. Dr. Ggoobi said the government has made it a tradition for the month of June to be dedicated to explaining the national budget to the public, ensuring that Ugandans fully understand government priorities and planned expenditures. He noted that the Budget Month also provides an opportunity for ordinary citizens to share their views on areas that require improvement while assessing the performance of the previous financial year. According to Dr. Ggoobi, the 2026 national budget prioritizes sectors that directly contribute to Uganda’s economic transformation, including agriculture, livestock farming, tourism, mining, as well as science and technology. He further revealed that the entertainment sector has now been incorporated into the government’s broader development agenda, recognizing its growing contribution to employment and economic growth. Dr. Ggoobi also stressed the importance of expanding electricity access and irrigation services to communities across the country to support productivity and improve livelihoods. Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group, Julius Mukunda, urged the President to take stronger action against corruption during the upcoming State of the Nation Address. He also called for a review of government expenditure, noting concerns over the country’s rising debt burden and the significant amount spent on public sector wages. Speaking on behalf of the private sector, Sarah Kagingo, Vice Chairperson of the Board of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, said the recent Ebola outbreak had negatively affected businesses, particularly tourism, with several trips reportedly cancelled. In the same meeting, Stephen Asiimwe, Executive Director of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, called on government to ensure that budget allocations deliver value for money through better infrastructure development and efficient implementation of public programmes. The Director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Hannington Ashaba, emphasized that the national budget goes beyond figures and financial allocations, saying it reflects Uganda’s shared aspirations for service delivery, economic growth, and accountability.