Former Finance Minister Matia Kasaija has called on the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to uphold integrity, saying it would be the greatest way to preserve the legacy he leaves behind after serving the ministry for 15 years as both State Minister and Minister of Finance.
Kasaija made the appeal during a farewell luncheon held at Kampala Serena Hotel on Friday to celebrate the outgoing and incoming ministers and ministers of state at the ministry.
Addressing ministry officials and invited guests, Kasaija said integrity should remain the cornerstone of the ministry's work, urging both the political and technical leadership to safeguard the values that guided his tenure.
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi paid tribute to Kasaija, thanking him for his dedicated service and for fostering a collaborative environment that enabled both the political leadership and technical staff to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
Musasizi also commended former Ministers of State Evelyn Anite, who served in charge of Investment and Privatisation, and Haruna Kasolo, formerly responsible for Microfinance and now Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, for their teamwork and contribution to the ministry.
He further acknowledged the current Ministers of State—Amos Lugoloobi (Planning), Aminah Mukalazi (Privatisation and Investment) and Ciccy Mulondo (General Duties)—as well as the ministry's technical team led by the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Dr Ramathan Ggoobi.
Musasizi pledged to build on Kasaija's legacy, saying he had learnt valuable lessons from his predecessor and would continue serving with integrity.
"I have learnt a lot from Honourable Kasaija, and I will continue to serve with integrity while building on the strong foundation he has left behind," Musasizi said.
Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Dr Ramathan Ggoobi thanked the outgoing ministers for their service and welcomed the new political leadership, assuring them of the technical team's full support.
"Today we celebrate the spirit of service above self," Ggoobi said, adding that the ministry remained committed to working together to transform Uganda into a prosperous and wealthy country.
The farewell luncheon brought together heads of government institutions affiliated with the Finance Ministry, including the Bank of Uganda, National Planning Authority, Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Private Sector Foundation Uganda, government-owned banks and other key stakeholders, highlighting the ministry's commitment to continuity, collaboration and good governance.
