The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Henry Musasizi Ariganyira, has called for prudent public expenditure and innovative approaches to achieving national objectives, emphasizing the need for government spending to deliver meaningful development outcomes.
Minister Musasizi made the remarks on Monday while speaking to the media shortly after appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Appointments for vetting as a presidential nominee for a ministerial position.
The Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth Oboth, has commenced the vetting of presidential nominees, an exercise expected to run until Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Under Rule 173 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, the committee is mandated to approve presidential nominees in accordance with the Constitution.
Commenting on concerns surrounding expenditure on rotational arrangements and national functions, Minister Musasizi stressed the importance of aligning public spending with Uganda’s long-term aspirations, particularly as the country pursues economic transformation and sustainable growth over the next three decades.
He said while efforts aimed at promoting national balance and inclusivity remain important, government must continuously evaluate whether costly undertakings offer value for money or whether alternative approaches can achieve the same objectives at a lower cost.
Minister Musasizi noted that significant public expenditure, sometimes running into hundreds of millions or billions of shillings, should be carefully scrutinized to ensure efficiency without compromising intended outcomes.
He emphasized that government resources should be directed toward investments that strengthen the economy, spur development, and improve livelihoods, arguing that public expenditure must contribute meaningfully to national progress.
The minister’s remarks come amid growing government efforts to rationalize public expenditure.
On Sunday, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr Ramathan Ggoobi, announced that effective the 2026/27 Financial Year, government spending on organizing public national celebrations and commemorative events, including Women’s Day, Labour Day, and Independence Day, will be halted as part of broader expenditure rationalization measures.
Dr Ggoobi said only a limited number of religious functions would continue to receive government funding. He added that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni would instead address the nation through radio and television broadcasts from State House during such occasions.
According to Ggoobi, funds previously allocated to public celebrations will be redirected toward financing key government priorities, particularly the implementation of the Agro-Industrialisation, Tourism Development, Mineral-Based Industrialisation, and Science, Technology and Innovation (ATMS) agenda, alongside other strategic enablers of economic growth.
