The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development appeared before the Budget Committee of Parliament to provide clarification on the National Budget estimates for the financial year 2025/2026.
Led by the State Minister for Finance in charge of General Duties, Henry Musasizi, and the Permanent Secretary, Ramathan Ggoobi, the Ministry officials highlighted key areas of focus in the upcoming budget.
The ministry expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government program aimed at transforming rural communities.
As of April 30, 2025, Shs 2.728 trillion had been disbursed by Saccos to 2,557,000 beneficiaries.
To further accelerate the program's impact, an additional Shs 1.594 trillion has been allocated for the financial year 2025/2026 to reach substance households that are yet to be covered.
The Ministry has also provided additional funding for key programs, including Shs 100 billion to increase the productivity of Emyooga enterprises and Shs 410 billion for the capitalization of the Uganda Development Bank (UDB).
"The ministry is now providing shs1.594 trillion in the next financial year to reach the subsistence households that are yet to be covered," Musasizi said.
The ministry has also allocated Shs 38 billion for the compensation of Buganda Kingdom assets.
Minister Musasizi informed the committee that "a total of shs 38 billion has been provided for the compensation of Buganda Kingdom assets."
Other priority areas in the budget include Shs 1.4 trillion for the elimination of domestic arrears, Shs 450 billion for the Electoral Commission, Shs 3.7 trillion for maintaining peace, security, and rule of law, Shs 4.34 trillion for the health sector, Shs 4.98 trillion for the education program, and Shs 6.97 trillion for infrastructure development.
The Ministry of Finance's presentation highlights the government's commitment to accelerating development programs and addressing key challenges facing the country.
As the Budget Committee reviews the budget estimates, these allocations will likely be subject to scrutiny and debate.