Name, shame corrupt officials, Minister Anite urges CSOs
The national budget month for the financial year 2024/25 has been launched.
The launch event, attended by key government officials, civil society organizations (CSOs), and various stakeholders, set the stage for an intensive month of fiscal scrutiny and strategic planning aimed at fostering economic growth and development.
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In her keynote address, Evelyn Anite, Minister of state for Investment and Privatisation, delivered a stirring call to action for CSOs, urging them to take a proactive role in the fight against corruption.
She emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, and encouraged CSOs to hold public officials accountable by exposing corrupt practices.
"Civil Society Organisations should do more in the fight against corruption by naming and shaming the corrupt in government, focus should be on improving public service delivery and making Uganda a better country," Anite urged.
She highlighted the government's commitment to implementing stringent measures to curb corruption, but stressed that collaboration with CSOs and the public is essential for achieving meaningful results.
Minister Anite outlined several key initiatives within the financial year 2024/25 budget designed to enhance public sector integrity, including the strengthening of anti-corruption agencies, the introduction of more robust financial oversight mechanisms, and the promotion of digital transparency tools.
"The key priorities of the budget include investing in people of Uganda through human capital development, peace and security, construction of standard gauge railway and metre gauge railway, investing in wealth creation and maintaining existing infrastructure science, tehnology and innovation," the Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary, Ramathan Ggoobi said.
He also highlighted the strategy to grow the economy 10-fold from USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion in the next 15 years through the four anchor sectors of agro-industrialization, tourism development, mineral development, oil and gas as well as Science Technology & innovation.
According to the ministry of finance, the launch of the budget month provides an opportunity to reflect on the successes and challenges of the previous fiscal year and activities to create awareness about government priorities and strategies for financial year 2024/25 and also provided accountability to the citizens on the key achievements for the current financial year.
The launch event concluded with discussions featuring representatives from various sectors, who shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities presented by the budget.
Officials said that as the national budget month unfolds, the focus will remain on promoting good governance, enhancing public sector integrity, and ensuring that every shilling of public money is spent wisely and justly.
"We will continue to focus on increasing revenue, controlling borrowing, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in use of the limited resources," PS Ggoobi said.
