The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing public participation in the budgeting process, pledging to engage more with civil society and ensure transparency.
Apollo Munghinda, the Principal Communications Officer at the ministry, made the pledge during an engagement with the Uganda Debt Network and other civil society organizations in Entebbe.
He assured stakeholders that the ministry is open to addressing all queries regarding budgeting and is dedicated to making the process more inclusive.
“We want this to be a budget for the people. The ministry is very open to the public and will avail all required information to civil society and the general public,” Munghinda stated.
The ministry also promised to identify areas that need improvement and address them accordingly. It emphasized that it would bring more stakeholders on board and remain receptive to feedback from all sectors.
During the engagement, Imelda Namagga, a senior researcher, highlighted the need for further reforms to align Uganda’s budgeting process with international standards.
Civil society organizations called on the government to ensure full access to budgetary information, emphasizing that transparency is key to accountability and effective service delivery.
Over time, Uganda has made notable strides in budget transparency, as evidenced by various government reforms.
The Ministry of Finance has launched initiatives such as the Budget Website, the Budget Transparency Initiative, and the Citizen Feedback Platform under the Office of the Auditor General.
Despite these improvements, Uganda continues to grapple with challenges in basic service delivery and accountability at the local level.
The Open Budget Survey (OBS) remains a critical tool in assessing how governments manage public finances and provide information to citizens.
The latest Open Budget Survey 2023 indicates significant progress in Uganda’s budget transparency efforts.
With the Ministry of Finance committing to further engagement and responsiveness, civil society groups hope that increased openness will lead to better financial management and improved service delivery for Ugandans.