Government today officially launched the National Budget Month for 2025/26, emphasizing its commitment to inclusive and transparent governance in public resource management.
The launch, presided over by Matia Kasaija, the minister of Fiance, also introduced the National Public Investment Management (NPIM) Policy, a transformative framework aimed at revolutionizing Uganda’s public investment planning, implementation, and monitoring.
Speaking at the event, Kasaija highlighted the significance of the budget month as a platform for fostering dialogue on national priorities and addressing citizen concerns.
“This initiative underscores our dedication to transparency and accountability,” Kasaija said. “By collaborating with Civil Society Organizations, we aim to ensure that public resources are managed effectively and inclusively.”
The NPIM Policy, a cornerstone of the government’s economic strategy, seeks to grow Uganda’s economy from $50bn to $500 bn in 15 years.
It also aims at addressing longstanding challenges in public investment, including poor planning, delays in project execution, limited technical capacity, and inadequate maintenance of public assets.
These issues have historically hindered the efficient use of resources and stalled sustainable development. The policy aims to streamline processes to ensure better resource allocation and foster economic growth.
“The NPIM Policy is a game-changer for Uganda’s economy,” Kasaija stated. “It will transform how we plan, execute, and maintain public investments, ensuring that every shilling spent delivers maximum value for our people.”
The success of the policy, according to Kasaija, depends on the collective efforts of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, civil society, and the private sector. By promoting collaboration and accountability, the government hopes to overcome the systemic challenges that have impeded progress.
The National Budget Month will feature a series of engagements, including public consultations and stakeholder dialogues, to gather input on budget priorities and ensure citizen voices are heard.