What You Didn’t Know About the 2025/2026 Annual Budget

The minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija, on his way to delivering the 2025/06 national budget on June 12th 2025

 

HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I    Uganda’s 2025/26 FY budget appears to have elements that could benefit the middle class, particularly through initiatives focused on wealth creation and economic growth, but also faces challenges in reaching this target.

 

While the budget aims for broader economic inclusion and higher household incomes, the effectiveness and reach of these programs may be hampered by insufficient allocations to crucial sectors, corruption and lack of absorptive capacity of the financial resources.

 

Habari Daily brings you the 2025/26 FY budget as read by Matia Kasaija, the minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

 

PREAMBLE

Your Excellency the President,

Your Excellency the Vice President,

Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament,

Your Lordship the Chief Justice,

Right Honourable Deputy Speaker of Parliament,

Your Lordship the Deputy Chief Justice,

The Vice Chairman of the NRM Party,

The Right Honourable Prime Minister,

Right Honourable Deputy Prime Ministers,

Honourable Ministers,

Your Excellencies, the Ambassadors, and Heads of Diplomatic Missions,

Honourable Members of Parliament,

Former National Leaders,

Cultural Leaders,

Religious Leaders,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

BUDGET SPEECH FINANCIAL YEAR 2025/26

1

1. INTRODUCTION

2. Madam Speaker, in fulfilment of Article 155(1) of the Constitution and on behalf of His Excellency the President, I present to Parliament and to the people of Uganda, the Budget for the Financial Year 2025/26 as approved by Parliament.
3. Madam Speaker, in this Speech, I will:
4. i) Provide accountability to the People of Uganda on the performance of

the commitments made by the NRM Government for the first half of the

Uganda Vision 2040;

1. ii) Present the recent performance of the economy and outlook;

iii) Account to the people of Uganda on the commitments that Government made for the FY 2024/25 that is coming to an end in a few days and priority areas of the Budget for FY 2025/26; and

1. iv) Highlight the financing strategy for the FY 2025/26 Budget.

 

1. ACCOUNTABILITY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE COMMITMENTS MADE BY THE NRM GOVERNMENT FOR THE FIRST HALF OF UGANDA VISION 2040

2. Madam Speaker, let me first congratulate His Excellency the President on his leadership that has built a resilient, stable, transformative and competitive economy that is attractive to investors. Uganda is among the fastest growing economies in the world and is projected to become the fastest growing by 2031, according to the Harvard Growth Lab. This is despite the various domestic, regional and global shocks that have impacted us in recent years. The growth is on account of a unique economic ideology championed by His Excellency the President, which is built on the four principles of socio-economic transformation, patriotism, Pan-Africanism and democracy.
3. Madam Speaker, the first half of Uganda Vision 2040 started in 2010 with the implementation of the first five-year National Development Plan (NDPI), and thereafter NDPII and NDPIII, which ends this financial year.

The initial years of the NRM Government before 2010 were dedicated to restoring sustainable peace, recovering and stabilising a broken economy, addressing extreme poverty and implementing reforms that liberalised the economy, and created an environment for private sector to flourish. We are now in the phase of socioeconomic transformation to facilitate wealth creation and prosperity.

Your Excellency, I thank and commend you for this.

5. Madam Speaker, the budget for financial year 2025/26 will conclude the implementation of the current NRM Manifesto and start the implementation of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV). For the next 15 years, the successive National Development Plans will implement the Tenfold Economic Growth Strategy. This strategy aims to expand the size of the economy to USD 500 billion by 2040, from USD 61.3 billion estimated this financial year 2024/25.
6. Madam Speaker, over the accountability period, Government has undertaken targeted investments that have built a firm foundation and strengthened the resilience of our economy. I wish to highlight the following achievements:
7. i) Total peace, security of person and property, and political stability have been the foundation upon which sustained high economic growth and wealth creation have been built.
8. ii) The economy more than tripled to Shs 226.3 trillion, equivalent to USD 61.3 billion, this financial year 2024/25, from Shs 64.8 trillion, equivalent to USD 27.9 billion, in FY2010/11;

iii) In March 2024 Uganda met the criteria for graduation from the category of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

68. iv) Life expectancy has improved to 68.2 years in FY 2023/24 from 63.3 years in 2010/11 and from 50.4 years in 2002. This has been partly driven by improvements in access to health services, massive immunisation campaigns that reduced disease prevalence and child mortality.
69. v) The population living within a 5 kilometre radius of a health facility is now 91 percent, from about 80 percent in FY 2010/11; and 81 percent of parishes now have government-aided schools.
70. vi) Poverty has decreased to 16.1 percent in FY 2023/24 from 24.5 percent in FY 2010/11. In addition, Madam Speaker, persons in the subsistence economy reduced to 33 percent in FY 2023/24 from 69 percent in FY 2010/11.

vii) Madam Speaker, Uganda is becoming a more equal society. The results of the National Household Survey released by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics last month show that income inequality has declined significantly in the past four years.

The Gini coefficient, which is a statistical measure used to determine the extent of income inequality within a population, has reduced to 38 percent from 41 percent in 2020.

viii) Madam Speaker, Ugandans can now connect to all borders on tarmac and reach all parts of the country, East, West, South, and North, by tarmac or improved murram roads.

11. ix) Installed electricity generation capacity increased fourfold to 2,051 megawatts in FY 2023/24, from 595 megawatts in FY 2010/11.

Consequently, the proportion of the population with access to electricity increased fivefold to 57 percent in FY 2023/24 from 11 percent in FY 2010/11.

1. x) The percentage of the population subscribed to the internet rose to 53 percent in 2022, from 1.8 percent in 2010, and the National ICT Backbone infrastructure extended to 4,300 kilometres in FY 2022/23, from 1,380 kilometres in FY 2010/11.
2. xi) The economy has diversified from the traditional 3Cs which are coffee, cotton and copper and 3Ts, which are tobacco, tea and tourism, to a more sophisticated economy. For example, Uganda has added 31 new products to its export basket in the last 15 years, including light manufactured products such as steel, processed food, cement, pharmaceuticals, dairy products, ceramics, and cloth.

xii) The number of manufacturing units (factories of various sizes) has increased by about 18,000 from 31,757 in 2010/11 to 50,000 in 2023/24.

As a result, this has increased the share of manufactured exports significantly.

7. Madam Speaker, Uganda’s economy has been able to achieve all these milestones on account of the right strategy of the NRM Government.
8. Madam Speaker, since the necessary foundation has already been established by intentionally prioritising investments in infrastructure, the speed of economic transformation is destined to be faster in the medium term.
9. Madam Speaker, the budget for next financial year, and over the medium term, is focused on people and wealth creation. Consequently, the theme of next financial year 2025/26 remains “Full Monetisation of Uganda’s Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialisation, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access”.

III. RECENT ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE AND OUTLOOK

10. Madam Speaker, our economy has strengthened its resilience to domestic and external shocks, and is estimated to grow by 6.3 percent this financial year 2024/25. This is after recording growth of 8.6 percent in the third quarter of this financial year. Last financial year 2023/24 the economy grew by 6.1 percent.
11. In nominal terms, the size of the economy is estimated at Shs 226.3 trillion, equivalent to USD 61.3 billion, in financial year 2024/25 rising from Shs 203.7 trillion, equivalent to USD 53.9 billion, in financial year 2023/24. This is equivalent to USD 174.2 billon in Purchasing Power Parity terms.
12. Madam Speaker, this growth was broad-based, including in agriculture, industry and services like ICT. This was on account of continued implementation of Government interventions, and sound fiscal and monetary policies that have supported private sector investment.
13. Madam Speaker, the impressive economic performance has been driven by His Excellency the President’s commitment and deliberate investment in wealth creation initiatives. I thank His Excellency the President for setting the tone, and for providing leadership and direction.
14. Madam Speaker, Government has invested over Shs 9 trillion in key wealth creation initiatives over the last 10 years. These include: Uganda Development Bank (Shs 1.45 trillion), the Parish Development Model (Shs 3.3 trillion by end of FY 2024/25), Emyooga (Shs 553 billion), the Youth Livelihood Programme (Shs 207.95 billion), the Small Business Recovery Fund, (Shs 100 billion), the Agricultural Credit Facility (Shs 495 billion), the Youth Venture Capital Fund (Shs 12.5 billion), Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (Shs 168 billion), the INVITE Project (Shs 800 billion), the GROW Project (Shs 824 billion), and Uganda Development Corporation (Shs 1.2 trillion), among others.
15. Madam Speaker, the economy is expected to grow faster by at least 7.0 percent next financial year 2025/26, and to double digits at the onset of oil and gas production. The size of the economy is projected to expand to Shs 254.2 trillion, equivalent to USD 66.1 billion, in financial year 2025/26. This will translate into a higher GDP per capita of USD 1,324 next financial year compared to USD 1,263 GDP estimated for this financial year ending 30th June 2025.

 

Inflation

16. Madam Speaker, inflation is under control. For the year ending May 2025, the speed at which prices of goods and services rose slowed to 3.4 percent, compared to 4.1 percent in the same period a year ago.
17. The slower pace of the increase in domestic prices was due to: good export performance and FDI inflows which led to a stable shilling; increased food production driven by good weather and the Parish Development Model (PDM), and the close coordination of the fiscal and monetary policies. In addition, a reduction in the global prices of petroleum products also contributed to the lower prices. The country has been able to benefit from these lower global prices because of the direct importation of petroleum products by the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), which removed middlemen in the petroleum supply chain.
18. Therefore, inflation is expected to remain below the policy target of 5 percent per annum.

 

Exchange Rate

19. Madam Speaker, despite global uncertainties, the Uganda shilling has been among the few most stable currencies in Africa. The shilling appreciated by 4.0 percent year-on-year in April 2025 compared to the same month in 2024.

Uganda’s shilling has been ranked the most stable currency in Africa, according to the International Financial Statistics (IFS) division of the IMF. This resilience is due to good export performance, strong inflows of foreign direct investment and tourism receipts.

Interest Rates

20. Madam Speaker, the price of money has reduced to an average of 17.7 percent per year in March 2025 from 18.1 percent in November 2024. This decline was partly driven by the slight reduction in the Bank of Uganda reference interest rate and increased lending at lower interest rates to lower-risk borrowers.

Private Sector Credit

21. Madam Speaker, the stock of private sector credit grew to Shs 23.3 trillion in March 2025 from Shs 21.9 trillion in June 2024. This represents growth of 6.4 percent. Although this is low, it is expected to increase as private sector activity and household demand continue to recover.
22. Madam Speaker, contrary to conventional economics that Government borrowing crowds out private sector credit, Uganda’s Government borrowing has instead availed cheaper and patient capital to the private sector engaged in wealth creation initiatives. Government borrows from commercial banks at relatively higher rates and avails financing to the private sector in strategic sectors at relatively low or no interest rates.
23. Government has provided direct credit to the private sector and households to supplement credit from commercial banks and other financial institutions, through PDM, Emyooga, youth and women livelihood funds, and women enterprise support funds totalling Shs 9.1 trillion, which is equivalent to 3.6 percent of total domestic economic output in financial year 2024/25.

External Sector Development

24. Madam Speaker, total exports of goods and services for the 12 months to March 2025 is USD 11.8 billion from USD 9.56 billion for the same period in 2024.

Of this, exports of goods were USD 9.3 billion for the same period, up from USD 7.3 billion in March 2024, representing growth of 26 percent. The top exports include gold (USD 3.8 billion); coffee (USD 1.83 billion), which alone had an annual average growth of 84.9 percent; industrial products (USD 626.5 million); cocoa beans (USD 410.8 million); milk products (USD 285 million); base metals and products (USD 230.60 million); sugar (USD 186.5 million); fish and fish products (USD 177.7 million); maize (USD 86.37 million); and other agricultural products like tea, tobacco, cotton, beans, fruits, vegetables, flowers, simsim (sesame), nuts, vanilla, and other grains giving USD 575.9 million.

25. Madam Speaker, this financial year, for the first time in the history of Uganda, coffee export earnings not only exceeded the one-billion-dollar mark but are on track to double to USD 2 billion per year. While it took the country more than a century to reach USD 1 billion earnings per annum from coffee, it has taken just one year to double these earnings. This is an example of the kind of economic leap envisioned under the Tenfold Growth Strategy.

I therefore implore Ugandans to grow more coffee and, most importantly, add value to our coffee before we export it for higher earnings.

26. Madam Speaker, for the year ending March 2025, the Middle East was Uganda’s top export destination, followed by the EAC, Asia and the European Union. Uganda recorded large trade surpluses with the Middle East worth USD 186.3 million and the European Union worth USD 117.7 million. The main export commodities to these markets were coffee, industrial and mineral products.
27. Madam Speaker, I wish to note that His Excellency the President’s message and deliberate strategy of increasing the share of manufactured exports in total exports has started producing positive results. New research by the Harvard Economic Growth Lab shows that Uganda has become more complex for its level of income.

This means that, while earnings from traditional exports like coffee are significantly increasing, their contribution to the total export basket is declining. New products that require more advanced production technology than that expected for our level of income are contributing an increasing share of our total exports.

28. According to the study, in the last 15 years, Uganda added 31 new products to its export basket. Among these are ICT equipment, serums and vaccines, medicines, new pneumatic tires, batteries, gas turbines, electronic integrated circuits, transmission apparatus for radio, telephone and TV, measuring instruments, and instruments for physical and chemical analysis, and light manufactured products such as steel, processed food, cement, pharmaceuticals, dairy products, ceramics, and cloth. The country also has an opportunity of harnessing the production of 50 new complex products which are referred to as strategic bets.

Tourism and Foreign Direct Investment

29. Madam Speaker, tourism earnings have grown by 13.1 percent to USD 1.52 billion in 12 months to March 2025, from USD 1.36 billion during the same period in 2024. This impressive growth is attributed to the sustainable peace, increased competitiveness of Uganda’s tourism industry and Government investment in strategic tourism infrastructure, including Uganda Airlines.

Remittances from Ugandans living and working abroad were USD 1.4 billion 12 months to March 2025, compared to USD 1.33 billion in the same period in 2024.

30. Madam Speaker, Uganda has maintained its top ranking as one of the best investment destinations in Africa. Foreign direct investments were worth USD 3.48 billion in twelve months to March 2025, compared to USD 2.99 billion during the same period in 2024. This performance was due to improved competitiveness of the economy.

Fiscal Performance

31. Madam Speaker, revenue collection is projected at Shs 31.9 trillion this financial year ending June 2025, equivalent to about 14.3 percent of total domestic economic output or GDP. Total expenditure outturn is estimated at Shs 51.53 trillion this financial year, excluding Bank of Uganda securities and domestic refinancing (debt rollover). The budget deficit is estimated at 7.6 percent of GDP.
32. Madam Speaker, Government plans to collect Shs 37.2 trillion in domestic revenue next financial year 2025/26. This will finance about 60 percent of the national budget. The rest of the budget will be financed through borrowing and grants.
33. Madam Speaker, Government has stepped up efforts to mobilise domestic revenue. Going forward, emphasis will be put on the following:
34. i) Broadening the tax base through strategic investment in the opportunities in agro-industry, tourism, minerals including oil and gas, science, technology and innovation including ICT, as well as interventions that support wealth creation and the growth of small and medium enterprises;
35. ii) Eliminating corruption at URA through punishing corrupt officers and taxpayers who collude with URA staff as well as leveraging digital platforms to minimise human interaction;

iii) Enhancing implementation of Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS), digital tax stamps, rental tax solution and regular audits, especially for transfer pricing;

1. iv) Combatting smuggling at border points through extended surveillance using advanced technologies like scanners, drones and tracking systems, with increased patrols in high-risk areas;
2. v) Rationalising tax exemptions to focus on only those that support industrial policy, and introducing sunset clauses;
3. vi) Amending tax laws to close loopholes that cause revenue leakage, and providing clarity to encourage voluntary compliance;

vii) Strengthening URA, including recruitment and training of tax officers to effectively administer tax collection; and

viii) Supporting Local Governments and revenue-generating public entities to increase revenue collection.

 

1. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2024/25 AND

PRIORITIES FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2025/26

34. Madam Speaker, when I delivered the Budget Speech for FY 2024/25, I made several commitments on Government expenditure priorities for the financial year. In February 2025, I presented a detailed Semi-Annual Budget Performance Report of this financial year to Parliament in line with the law. In this section, I provide the highlights of what Government has achieved this financial year todate.
35. Madam Speaker, with respect to investing in the people of Uganda, the following has been achieved:

Health

36. Madam Speaker, during this financial year 2024/25, the following milestones have been achieved in the health sector:
37. i) Government continued to invest in saving the lives of Ugandans by providing Shs 721 billion for healthcare supplies, general and essential medicines under the National Medical Stores. This included additional financing of Shs 100 billion for essential medicines, Shs 116.8 billion for ARVs, Shs 2.9 billion for anti-malarial medicines, Shs 17.8 billion for immunisation supplies, Shs 52.3 billion for laboratory supplies, and Shs 2.1 billion for anti-TB drugs.
38. ii) Government continued to improve healthcare infrastructure and equipment. For example: we completed, equipped and commissioned three Regional Blood Banks in Hoima, Arua, and Soroti; operationalised

16 high-capacity oxygen plants across key regional referral hospitals; continued infrastructure development and equipping of the two specialised centres for cancer and cardiovascular care; infrastructure development of Lubowa Specialised Hospital is now at 68 percent progress and training of specialists is ongoing; constructed new maternity wards and staff houses in the Health Centre IIs that are being upgraded to Health Centre IIIs; distributed 20 digital X-ray machines to General Hospitals; and installed CT scans in 14 out of 16 Regional Referral Hospitals.

iii) Government implemented interventions for preventive healthcare for disease prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyles. For example: trained and deployed Community Health Extension Workers across the country to deliver essential health education on hygiene and sanitation, nutrition and disease prevention, and to support routine immunisation efforts; undertook residual spraying in 13 districts, which protected the lives of 2.7 million people and 560,000 households against malaria; and introduced the malaria vaccine into the Extended Programme on Immunisation, targeting children under five years of age.

1. iv) Improved digitisation of healthcare services by extending connectivity of the Electronic Medical Record System in four National Referral Hospitals and 16 Regional Referral Hospitals. This has improved patient record management, drug dispensing, and monitoring the attendance of health workers.
2. v) Strengthened the National Ambulance and Emergency Care System by providing additional ambulances to improve the national emergency response and referral system.
3. Madam Speaker, to further improve the health of Ugandans, a total of Shs 5.87 trillion has been provided next financial year 2025/26. The priority interventions will include: (i) Functionalising Health Centre IVs; (ii) Strengthening primary healthcare and community health services; (iii) Scale-up of National e-Health Infrastructure;

(iv) Promotion of nutrition education and reproductive health;

(v) Continued deployment of Community Health Extension Workers; (vi)

Strengthening the National Ambulance and Emergency Referral System; and:

(vii) Construction of specialised health facilities for cancer and cardiovascular care.

Education

38. Madam Speaker, the following milestones have been achieved in the education sector:
39. i) Provided access to Universal Primary Education (UPE) for 9.52 million learners and 995,116 learners under Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Universal Post O’ Level Education and Training.
40. ii) Over 5,192 students, both on degree and diploma programmes, benefitted from the Higher Education Students’ Loan Financing Scheme. In addition, 4,000 learners benefitted from Government sponsorship joining public universities.

iii) A total of 166 seed schools have been constructed under the UgIFT Programme.

496. iv) In preparation for CHAN and AFCON27, Government has so far spent Shs 496.8 billion for the construction of Hoima and Akii Bua Stadia as well as the associated training facilities across the country. Government will spend a total of Shs 1.34 trillion to get these facilities completed. In addition, Mandela National Stadium has been upgraded, and Government commissioned the National High-Altitude Training Centre-Teryet, in Kapchorwa.

1. v) In order to improve compliance with quality standards, Government digitalised school inspections in all public schools and certificate awarding Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
2. vi) To improve the qualifications and skills of primary school teachers to meet the new minimum education requirement of degree level, Government has established the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE). So far, UNITE has enrolled 1,000 students across 5 campuses, and has been supported to undertake staff recruitment and to take over the operations of 23 primary teachers’ colleges to upgrade certificate teachers to diploma level.

vii) Rolled out the Abridged A-Level Curriculum to implement the Competence- Based Curriculum for A-level. A total of 357,120 learners successfully completed the 4-year cycle under the new Lower Secondary Education Curriculum and are transitioning to the new A-Level Curriculum.

viii) Implemented the TVET reform to increase industry participation in TVET training and delivery. A new TVET Council, Sector Skills Councils and Secretariat have been established with representation from various sectors.

39. Madam Speaker, next financial year, I have provided Shs 5.04 trillion for priority interventions which include: (i) continuing to provide free education to Ugandans under UPE, USE and Universal Post O’ Level Education and Training; (ii) providing sponsorships and student loans for higher education;

(iii) rehabilitation of 120 traditional secondary schools and 31 special needs primary schools; (iv) construction of 116 new seed schools and expansion of 61 existing secondary schools; (v) recruitment of more teachers and non-teaching staff; (vi) strict enforcement of teachers’ and learners’ inspection across the country using an electronic system; (vii) providing textbooks and instructionalmaterials to improve the textbook-to-student ratio to 1:3 from the current 1:15;

(viii) operationalisation of Bunyoro and Busoga universities; (ix) and completion of the ongoing construction of stadia and training facilities ahead of CHAN and AFCON27.

Social Protection

40. Madam Speaker, to keep our senior citizens healthy and to actively participate in socio-economic activities, Government has provided Shs 811 billion, benefitting 495,720 older persons across the country under the Social Assistance Grants for the Elderly Programme (SAGE). In addition, 1,741 older persons’ group enterprises have been funded with Government grants worth Shs 5.5 billion, benefitting 11,644 older persons under the Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons Programme (SEGOP).
41. Other social protection interventions which Government has supported include the following:
42. i) Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP): A total of 24,228 youth enterprises have been funded to the tune of Shs 191.336 billion, benefitting 271,211 youth. The enterprises are in agriculture (38 percent), trade (32 percent), other services (19 percent) and others (11 percent).
43. ii) Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP): Government has financed 21,948 women group enterprises, benefitting 235,114 women.

iii) National Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities (NSGPWD): To address high vulnerability and poverty levels among persons with disability, Government has supported 8,107 enterprises, benefitting 59,901 persons with disabilities.

42. Madam Speaker, I have provided an additional Shs 404.9 billion for social protection next financial year 2025/26. Water, Sanitation and Environmental Protection
43. Madam Speaker, to improve the quality of life, Government continues to invest in the provision of safe water, improve sanitation and ensure protection of the environment. These include the following:
44. i) Villages in Uganda with at least one safe water source have remarkably increased to 8 out of every 10 villages. Nationwide, 57,951 villages out of 71,225 have been served with a safe water source.

1. ii) Completed construction of 259 medium and large solar-powered water supply and sanitation systems and gravity flow schemes across the country.

iii) Construction of 42 large solar-powered water supply systems is ongoing in Agago, Yumbe, Amudat, Kaabong, Kasese, Kakumiro, Sembabule, Kisoro, Rubanda, Bulambuli, Kyenkwanzi, Mubende, Kyegegwa, Buyende, Nakaseke, Namayingo, Rakai and Buvuma.

1. iv) With regard to clean water, construction of piped town water supply systems is ongoing in 32 towns. These include: Namasale, Kakingol, Kamuli, Ngoma Town, Lunya, Karago Phase II, Ishaka (mobilisation), Nyakashaka, Bukumi, Kanapa, and Odongai. Construction is also ongoing in Palabek-Kal, Rhino Camp, Arra-Dufile, Lubeli Refugee Settlement, Bolori, Nyanseke, Busaale, Kibuzi, and expansion in 2 towns of Kiboga and Zigoti. Other beneficiary towns are Lamwo, Lacekocot, Iri- Iri, Lorengecora, Manafwa, Butalejja-Busolwe, Tirinyi-Kibuku-Kadama- Budaka, Kaliro-Namungalwe, Rukungiri and Obongi.
2. v) Construction of the various water supply systems in 26 districts is at varying levels of physical progress. These include Manafwa Town Council, and installation of solar packages that is ongoing in Losilang, Kasawo – phase 1, Kabura-Mwizi – phase 1, Bukumi, Bulangira and Kyebando-Kasimbi, and Busaale Town. Also, Government is starting the development of new piped water supply systems in Rubanda, Kabale, Alebtong, Nakasongola, and Kamuli Districts, among others.
3. Madam Speaker, I have provided an additional Shs 366.1 billion next financial year for water resources management, climate change mitigation, natural resources, and environment. The priority interventions include: construction of water supply infrastructure to increase service in underserved communities in rural, urban, and refugee settlements; increasing rehabilitation and expansion of existing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure; and increasing forest and wetland cover.
4. Madam Speaker, overall, I have allocated a total of Shs 11.44 trillion next financial year towards investing in the people of Uganda through health, education, social protection, and water and sanitation.

 

Wealth Creation Programmes

46. Madam Speaker, wealth creation programmes have proved effective in integrating lower-income Ugandans into the economy. As already reported, poverty and inequality have reduced, thanks to the following opportunity equalising initiatives that Government has implemented.

Parish Development Model (PDM)

47. Madam Speaker, by 30th June this year, a total of Shs 3.3 trillion will have been transferred to the 10,589 parishes across the country, to transform the households still in subsistence to join the money economy. Each parish gets Shs 100 million per year. So far, the PDM funds have reached 2.63 million beneficiaries in all districts and parishes.

The beneficiaries have invested 45 percent of the money in cash and food crops such as maize, cassava, onions, bananas and Irish potatoes, 36 percent in livestock such as piggery, goats, beef cattle, dairy cattle and sheep, 12 percent in poultry, and 6 percent in other enterprises. These investments are changing the lives of Ugandans by boosting household incomes, enhancing food security and creating employment opportunities at local levels countrywide.

48. Madam Speaker, PDM operations have been fully digitised to ensure secure and smooth flow of the Government grants directly from the National Treasury to the beneficiaries. Government is using the National Identification Number (NIN) and the PDM Information System (PDMIS) to identify the beneficiaries, the WENDI application to send the money, and the ZAIDI application to monitor and ensure that the money goes to the right beneficiaries and that they are using it to finance the right enterprises. This has enhanced efficiency and convenience in access, and helped to reduce corruption in the PDM operations.
49. Effective next year, every Parish Chief will make use of the PDMIS to prepare an annual report on the State of their Parish Economy and Asset Register (SPEAR Report). This report will enable tracking of progress towards full monetisation of the economy for every parish.
50. Madam Speaker, I have provided an additional Shs 1.059 trillion next financial year 2025/26 for further capitalisation of the PDM. This will avail an additional Shs 100 million per parish for households that have not yet benefitted from PDM.

Government has also provided money to pay for the bank charges to ensure that beneficiaries receive the full amount of Shs 1 million each. Government is also providing a grant of Shs 500,000 for persons with disability over and above the loan of Shs 1 million to cater for their additional access requirements.

51. Madam Speaker, in order to add value to, and guarantee markets for the PDM outputs, Government has stepped up investment in agro-industry through vertical and horizontal value addition. This is targeting production of high value multi-input products such as nutritional foods, baby foods that use several products like milk, eggs and maize, and fruits and vegetables.

Agriculture Credit Facility (ACF)

52. Madam Speaker, Government has injected a total of Shs 413.4 billion in the ACF since its establishment in 2010. In partnership with participating financial institutions that match the Government contribution, this facility has so far provided over Shs 1 trillion in low-interest loans by end March 2025, to support agricultural productivity, commercial farming and agricultural value addition.

The ACF has so far supported 14,336 beneficiaries, of whom 3,531 are smallholder farmers. The loans have financed the following: grain trading, Shs 431.4 billion (43 percent); on-farm activities, Shs 312.8 billion (32 percent); agro-processing, Shs 166.8 billion (16 percent); and post-harvest management, Shs 89 billion (9 percent).

53. Madam Speaker, I have provided additional capital for the ACF of Shs 50 billion next financial year 2025/26. This is in addition to agricultural insurance that benefits all farmers including PDM beneficiaries. Uganda Development Bank (UDB)
54. Madam Speaker, Government has cumulatively capitalised UDB to the tune of Shs 1.5 trillion to support industrialisation, agricultural commercialisation, and acquisition of appropriate technologies to increase productivity.

 

UDB has so far achieved the following:

2. i) UDB has provided Shs 2.45 trillion to 607 businesses engaged in commercial agriculture, agricultural value addition, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, education, health services, creatives, and construction industry, as at end December 2024.
3. ii) Businesses supported by UDB have created 55,553 jobs, generated output value of Shs 20 trillion, contributed Shs 944.2 billion in taxes, generated an equivalence of Shs 3.3 trillion in forex earnings, and Shs 3.15 trillion in profits for the private sector businesses supported.

iii) UDB has implemented special programmes targeting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and youth- and women-owned businesses engaged in wealth creation. This has been done through provision of business development and incubation services.

1. iv) In order to ease access, UDB is opening up regional offices and has supported wealth creation enterprises in 96 districts across all the sub regions.
2. Madam Speaker, I have now provided an additional Shs 1.0 trillion for UDB next financial year.

Emyooga

56. Madam Speaker, in order to boost incomes of Ugandans engaged in specialised trades (Emyooga), particularly in urban and peri-urban centres, Government has so far provided a total of Shs 660 billion. This has benefitted a total of 2.4 million Ugandans in creating 471,000 jobs and kick-starting a new local economy in value-added enterprises such as wine-making, carpentry, coffee value addition, metal fabrication, tailoring, artisanal products, mechanics, women in markets, restaurants and services like hair and beauty salons and transport, among others.
57. Madam Speaker, I am providing an additional Shs 100 billion next financial year to support more Emyooga enterprises as off-takers of PDM outputs. Following enactment of the new TVET Act, Government will support certification and issuance of practising permits to competent practitioners benefitting from the Emyooga Programme.

Small Business Recovery Fund

58. Madam Speaker, this fund was established to support small businesses which were affected by Covid-19 to recover with an initial capital of Shs 100 billion, to be matched by commercial banks and other financial institutions. The funding from the SBRF has enabled 3,496 micro, small and medium enterprises to recover from the effects of Covid-19, saving over 26,672 jobs in the sectors of trade and commerce, hospitality, education and construction.
59. Madam Speaker, in order to accelerate full monetisation of the economy through the various wealth creation programmes, I have provided Shs 2.43 trillion next financial year 2025/26. These funds are going to be passed on to Ugandans in wealth creation through: PDM, Shs 1.059 trillion; Emyooga, Shs 100 billion;

UDB, Shs 1.0 trillion; Uganda Development Corporation, Shs 187.1 billion; and the Agricultural Credit Facility, Shs 50 billion. Others include GROW (Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises) Shs 231.3 billion; INVITE (Investment for Industrial Transformation and Empowerment); Shs 275.1 billion, Presidential Zonal Industrial Hubs and skilling initiatives Shs 58.5 billion to turn youth into manufacturers; and support to Microfinance Shs 48.5 billion.

 

Agro-Industrialisation

60. Madam Speaker, the interventions in agro-industrialisation this financial year and next financial year have prioritised research, increase in productivity, commercialisation and value addition in agriculture.
61. Madam Speaker, some of the key achievements in this financial year include:
62. i) Research and genetics development of selected value chains. The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Databank has introduced superior animal genetic resources for breeding, multiplication and distribution to farming households under PDM. NARO has completed the manufacturing facility for anti-tick vaccines at Nakyesasa in Wakiso District with the capacity to produce over 20 million doses of the antitick vaccine per year.

NARO has also developed agricultural technologies that increase productivity such as water-saving cultivation technology, drought-resistant varieties, and integrated pest, disease and weed control technologies, among others. Research in coffee by NaCORI has contributed to increased national coffee production, productivity and export earnings.

54. ii) Increasing agricultural production and productivity. The capacity of water for irrigation has increased to 54.76 million cubic metres. This is on account of Government investment in small and large irrigation systems, including solar-powered irrigation. In particular, 7 large scale irrigation schemes have been completed.

 

These include Ngenge in Kween District; Rwengaaju in Kabarole; Tochi in Oyam; Mubuku II in Kasese; Olweny in Lira; Doho II in Butaleja; and Wadelai in Pakwach. Another three irrigation schemes are currently under construction. These are: Acomai in Bukedea District; Atari in Kween/Bulambuli District; and Namatala, covering Budaka, Mbale and Butaleja Districts.

62. Madam Speaker, another 145 solar-powered irrigation and water supply schemes have been completed across the country. In addition, 157 solar-powered irrigation and water supply schemes are under construction. Furthermore, 4,300 micro-scale irrigation facilities were constructed in 135 districts across the country and have benefitted smallholder farmers of less than 2.5 acres.
63. Madam Speaker, in addition, Government completed Usake Dam in Kaabong, and Ongunga Dam in Katakwi for livestock, irrigation and fish farming. In addition, 5,251 small- and medium-scale irrigation schemes were established in 135 districts.
64. Madam Speaker, Government: established five zonal agricultural mechanisation centres in Namalere, Buwama, Bunghokho, Agwata and Sanga to support equipment access and tractor hire services; procured and distributed 260 assorted four-wheeled tractors and implements to farmer groups in 60 districts countrywide, 750 power tillers (single-axle tractors and implements), and 2 pieces of dredging equipment for water hyacinth and weed control; and trained 2,150 youth and women as operators, artisans and mechanics for tractors and implements.

65. Madam Speaker, beginning this financial year, Government introduced the large-scale commercial farmer interest-free credit facility of Shs 175 billion. This facility will help to increase production and productivity for improved food security and exports. The loan facility can be accessed through Government owned banks, namely PostBank, Housing Finance Bank, and Pride Bank Limited.

iii) Agricultural value addition and marketing. NARO completed setting up an Aflasafe Facility at Namulonge with capacity to eliminate aflatoxin contamination in grains. The facility has capacity to clean five tons of produce per hour. This will save the country an estimated USD 38 million per year, which is lost in export rejections due to aflatoxins and, most importantly, save the lives of Ugandans.

66. Madam Speaker, to add value to agricultural produce, Government constructed eleven agro-processing and storage facilities to increase opportunities for value addition and access to high value markets. These include Rwimi Rice Processing Facility in Bunyangabu; Kasina Maize Processing Facility in Kyenjojo; Kigoyera Maize Processing Facility in Kyenjojo; Itojo Maize and Rice Processing Facility in Ntoroko; Nombe Coffee Processing Facility in Ntoroko; Apala Oil Seed Processing Facility in Alebtong; Gatyanga Coffee Processing Facility in Bunyangabu; Ocorimongin Rice Processing Facility in Katakwi; Kajamaka Rice Processing Facility in Kumi; Kikwata Coffee Processing Facility in Nakaseke; and Kiwoko Maize Processing Facility in Nakaseke.
67. Madam Speaker, Government is strengthening partnership with the private sector through Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) to support local value addition and manufacturing in a wide range of agricultural value chains. These investments include Soroti Fruit Factory, Budadiri Arabica Coffee, Mabale Growers Tea Factory, Kayonza Growers Tea Factory, Bukona Agro Processors, Atiak Sugar Factory, and Yumbe Fruit Factory.
68. Madam Speaker, as part of the efforts to increase access of Uganda’s products to international markets, we dispatched the inaugural exports of coffee and milk to Serbia and Algeria, respectively. The milk exports to Algeria have potential to fetch Uganda export earnings worth USD 500 million.
69. Madam Speaker, I have allocated a total of Shs 1.86 trillion next financial year towards deepening agro-industrialisation. These funds will support investments in: (i) agricultural research; (ii) agricultural inputs including fertiliser; (iii) water for irrigation; (iv) extension services; (v) agro-processing and value addition;
70. vi) post-harvest handling and storage facilities; (vii) inspection, surveillance, certification, enforcement of quality standards, and market access.

 

Tourism Development

70. Madam Speaker, Uganda’s tourism sector continued to recover with tourist arrivals increasing by 7.7 percent to 1.37 million in 2024, from 1.27 million in 2023. Similarly, tourism earnings grew by 26 percent to USD 1.28 billion in 2024, up from USD 1.02 billion in 2023.
71. Madam Speaker, the following achievements were registered:
72. i) Promoted and marketed Uganda through international Explore Uganda promotional campaigns in high-value market segments in USA, Canada and the United Kingdom.

As a result, the year-on-year growth of interest in Uganda by tourists is 33 percent for the United Kingdom, 19 percent for Canada and 5 percent for the USA. Additionally, through the theme “Uniquely Ours”, we have promoted domestic tourism. As a result, domestic tourism in national parks increased by 15.7 percent in 2024, reaching 244,843 visitors.

1. ii) Continued to innovate and modernise tourism products to make them more competitive. This involved: maintenance of 1,300 kilometres of trail tracks and roads in tourism protected areas; increasing the cumulative coverage of electric fencing to 177 kilometres in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks; continued construction of the pier and related infrastructure at the Source of the Nile; continuing to upgrade the Uganda Museum and Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrines; construction of 3,521 metres of climbing ladders and boardwalks on the Rwenzori Mountains to make hiking safer and fun; completion and commissioning of Kikorongo Equator Monument in Kasese; and the construction works of Karamoja Museum, which is nearing completion.

iii) Government invested in a world-class convention facility in Munyonyo. This has promoted Uganda as one of the regional destinations for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE). Consequently, Uganda now ranks 7th in Africa in MICE tourism.

72. Madam Speaker, I have allocated Shs 430 billion towards direct investment in tourism next financial year. This is in addition to about Shs 2.2 trillion provided for other tourism support investments such as tourism roads, ICT infrastructure in tourism areas, African Cup of Nations (AFCON) infrastructure, and security strengthening in tourism areas.
73. Madam Speaker, the focus next financial year will be on: (i) branding and marketing of Uganda as a tourism and investment destination; (ii) infrastructure development in tourism sites; (iii) construction of refreshment centres and highway sanitation facilities; (iv) improving and enforcing hospitality standards and training; and (v) promoting health tourism by investment in specialised health facilities.
74. Madam Speaker, Government has also stepped up investment in missions abroad to promote economic and commercial diplomacy. Every mission is now tasked to bring investors and tourists, and open up export markets.

 

Mineral-Based Industrial Development including Oil and Gas

75. Madam Speaker, the following achievements were registered this financial year:
76. i) Government facilitated the establishment of 10 gold refineries, four cement manufacturing plants, and one tin processing plant, contributing to mineral processing and refining.
77. ii) In the oil and gas sector, the Tilenga and Kingfisher oil projects are on track for first oil production in 2026. An agreement to construct a 60,000 barrels-per-day oil refinery, which will kick-start the petro-chemical industry, was signed between Alpha MBM from UAE and the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC). Once operations start, the oil and gas sector will contribute between USD 1 and 2.5 billion annually to the country’s revenues.

iii) With regard to local content in the oil and gas industry, more Ugandan companies and individuals have benefitted from contracts issued and jobs, respectively. Out of 5,693 Tier One contracts, amounting to a total value of USD 5.4 billion awarded to date, 4,796 contracts (84 percent) were to Ugandan companies, amounting to USD 2.25 billion.

Also, USD 33.4 million, equivalent to Shs 121 billion, has been spent on goods and services consumed from the surrounding communities in Bunyoro. More than 14,000 Ugandans have been trained in various technical areas, and so far about 17,000 direct and 39,567 indirect jobs have been created.

1. iv) Kabalega International Airport is nearly complete, and over 700 kilometres of roads have been constructed in the Albertine Region to support commercial production of oil and gas.
2. v) Government is expediting the finalisation of the 1,443-kilometre East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which is now 58 percent complete, with engineering works at 98 percent completion and procurement of the major equipment for the pipeline at 83 percent.
3. vi) Following UNOC’s commencement of the bulk supply of petroleum products in August 2024, the country has experienced relative stability in supply and pricing. This has been realised due to the elimination of middlemen and speculative tendencies. As a result, Uganda currently saves up to USD 72.8 million annually on fuel imports.
4. Madam Speaker, I have provided Shs 875.8 billion next financial year for mineral-based industrial development including oil and gas, for (i) continued quantification of mineral resources, starting with iron ore, gold and copper, and strengthening their tracking system; (ii) capitalisation of the Uganda National Mining Company; (iii) establishing mineral markets and buying centres to enable transparent mineral trading; (iv) expediting finalisation of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP); and (v) prioritisation of the construction of the oil refinery and refined products pipeline, among others.

Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) including ICT and Creative Industry

77. Madam Speaker, STI including ICT and Creative Arts provide an important avenue for the country to develop high-tech exports and add new sources of growth and jobs.
78. Madam Speaker, this financial year, the following milestones have been achieved in the development of the knowledge economy:
79. i) Completed and operationalised the Kiira vehicle plant in Jinja. The plant has an annual capacity of 2,500 vehicles. So far 41 buses have been produced, out of which 29 are electric. The electric buses produced can run up to 500 kilometres when fully charged. The plant has signed a letter of intent to supply more than 3,700 electric buses to West Africa.

Kiira Motors has created 800 jobs and has the potential to generate more than 14,000 direct and indirect productive jobs.

1. ii) Invested in vaccine development and commercialisation as well as innovations in therapeutics, diagnostics and other healthcare tools.

Government has cumulatively invested a total of Shs 724 billion in the Dei BioPharma manufacturing facility located at Matugga, in Wakiso District. The facility is now licensed by the National Drug Authority and has started manufacturing generic drugs such as tablets, capsules, powders, non-antibiotic drugs, and antifungal drugs, among others.

79. Madam Speaker, Government is making progress in the development of vaccines for the Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever and Rift Valley virus. We also completed accreditation of the Alfasan vaccine manufacturing facility to produce anti-tick vaccines. Scientists at Makerere University developed a PCR kit which has been used to conduct more than 2 million tests at 50 percent of the cost of imported alternatives, saving the country USD 37 million.

Gulu University developed highly effective rapid testing kits for crop diseases for cassava and sweet potatoes.

iii) Madam Speaker, Government has invested in a coffee factory in Ntungamo to fast-track local value addition to coffee. The factory will have three processing lines for roastery, freeze dry and spray dry technology to produce instant, roast, and ground coffee, respectively. The roaster line has started production and other processing lines are at 50 percent installation.

1. iv) The banana value addition facility in Bushenyi has started production. The plant is producing several value-added products like banana flour used in bread, cakes, biscuits and baby food. The plant is increasing automation and capacity to 140 metric tons from 14 metric tons. It has started penetrating the local and international markets with orders from South Korea, the Middle East, South Africa, Italy and the USA.
2. Madam Speaker, with regard to ICT, Government has continued to expand internet connectivity and digital infrastructure across the country. The geographical coverage of broadband internet connectivity stands at 72 percent of the country, covering 4,387 kilometres. Government has increased digitisation of service delivery to improve efficiency, promote transparency and reduce bureaucracy.
3. Madam Speaker, a total of 36 electronic services have been developed and rolled out. Some of these include the Online Business Registration System (OBRS); Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP), and the online passport, visa, national ID and driving licence application system. The Uganda Driver Licensing System, which was introduced in 2021, has reduced the turnaround time for processing driving licences to 45 minutes in Kampala and 48 hours in upcountry stations from a period of one month.
4. To support Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Government has licensed over 50 companies that have created over 10,000 jobs mainly for the youth that provide online services internationally.
5. Madam Speaker, with regard to the creative arts, Government provided Shs 10 billion to the creative arts industry. This was to support the artists to recover from the effects of Covid-19, and create a revolving fund to support young talents to create wealth and jobs.
6. Madam Speaker, I have provided Shs 835.98 billion for science, technology and innovation (STI) including ICT and the creative arts industry. Of this amount, Shs 388.23 billion is for STI, Shs 381.75 billion is for ICT and digitalisation, and Shs 66 billion for the creative arts.
7. Madam Speaker, these funds will be utilised for: (i) establishing a Hi-tech City to support development of technologies and innovations; (ii) taking STI products to the market, especially Kiira motor vehicles, coffee, Dei BioPharma drugs and vaccines, and banana products; (iii) additional investment in R&D and innovation; (iv) increasing coverage, reliability and affordability of internet; (v) enhancing digitisation of Government services and e-commerce;

(vi) promoting BPO for job creation; (vii) acquiring a home for creative artists for their productions and innovations; (viii) fast-tracking the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act to protect intellectual property and artistic works; and

(ix) further capitalisation of the revolving fund for artists with an additional Shs 18 billion, bringing it to a total of Shs 23 billion.

 

Infrastructure Development

86. Madam Speaker, this priority area includes both transport and energy infrastructure. During this FY 2024/25, some of the following achievements were realised:

Integrated transport infrastructure and services

87. Madam Speaker, the road network that is tarmacked now stands at 6,287.6 kilometres, representing about 30 percent of the national road network, compared to 3,112 kilometres in financial year 2010/11.
88. With this improved road network, the travel time, for example, from Malaba to Kisoro by road reduced from 48 hours (2 days) to about 10 hours. This will further improve with completion of the Kampala-Jinja and Busega-Mpigi express highways. Uganda is now connected by tarmac roads at all its major international border points, from the South Sudan border (Kitgum, Nimule and Oraba) in Acholi and West Nile to the southern border of Tanzania (Mutukula), Rwanda (Mirama Hills, Katuna and Cyanika) and the Congo border (Bunagana), and from the Kenya border (Lwakhakha, Malaba, and Busia) to the Congo border (Mpondwe, Busuunga, and Kaisotonya) in the West.
89. Madam Speaker, despite the challenges faced in the road sector this financial year, we continued to make progress as follows:
90. i) Rehabilitated a total of 125 kilometres on several ongoing projects.
91. ii) Upgraded over 100 kilometres of roads to paved bituminous standards on several ongoing projects.

iii) Government fully disbursed Shs 579 billion which was used for maintenance of National, District, Urban and Community Access Roads (DUCAR).

1. iv) Government is revamping the road and drainage infrastructure within the entire Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), to the extent that the entire city is now a construction site. A total of Shs 1.4 trillion has been dedicated to improving roads and drainage within GKMA. To deal with traffic congestion arising out of the gridlock generated by roundabouts, all major junctions are being improved and signalled with traffic lights.

The Kampala Flyover and Road Upgrading Project has been completed. v) Construction of 10 bridges is ongoing at an average of 74.7% progress.

90. Madam Speaker, next financial year, Government has significantly increased the budget for road infrastructure development. I have allocated an additional Shs 790 billion, bringing the total budget for roads to Shs 4.28 trillion. The following will be prioritised next financial year:
91. i) Start construction and complete ongoing works for road projects as highlighted by His Excellency the President in his State of the Nation Address. In addition, the roads which had been left out to be prioritized are: Puranga-Acholibur (65 kilometres); Kampala-Gayaza-Kalagi (33 kilometres); Lugazi-Buikwe-Kiyindi (28 kilometres); Kabwohe- Bwizibwera-Nyakambu-Nsika-Nyakabirizi, (92.2 kilometres); Kisubi- Nakawuka-Natete-Kasanje-Mpigi-Mawugulu-Nanziga-Maya-Buwaya (71 kilometres); Busega-Mpigi (10 kilometres); Najjanankumbi- Busabala (11 kilometres); Lusalira-Nkonge-Lumegere-Sembabule (97 kilometres); Karugutu-Ntoroko (50 kilometres); Kabale-lake Bunyonyi (15.1 kilometres), Kisoro-Nkuringo-Lubugiri-Muko (70 kilometres); Laropi-Moyo-Afoji (39 kilometres), including a bridge at Laropi, Koboko- Yumbe-Moyo (105 kilometres); Namagumba-Budadiri-Nalugugu (33 kilometres) ; Tororo-Busia (25 kilometres); Katuna-Muko-Kamuganguzi (104 kilometres); Moroto-Lokitanyala (42 kilometres); Hamurwa-Kerere- Kanungu (47 kilometres); Lyantonde-Kashagama-Nyabitanga-Ntusi road (57.7 kilometres); Isingiro-Rugaaga-Mutukula-Ngarama-Kashumba- Kasese on the border with Tanzania (164 kilometres); Masindi Bridge; and Karuma Bridge.
92. ii) Start construction and complete ongoing works for bridges as highlighted by His Excellency the President in his State of the Nation Address.

iii) Commence implementation of the Kampala-Jinja Express Highway through a Public-Private Partnership framework.

1. iv) Prioritise maintenance of the core national road transport network and DUCAR.

Railway Transport

91. Madam Speaker, in November 2024, His Excellency the President launched construction of the 272-kilometre Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Malaba to Kampala. The SGR is a strategic investment for our country. It will cut cargo transport cost by half from the current USD 120 per ton, and reduce transit time from Mombasa to Kampala from 7 days to 1 day, turning Uganda into a land-linked country as opposed to being landlocked. The initial works for construction of the SGR have started.
92. Madam Speaker, Government has completed the refurbishment and commissioning of the Mukono-Kampala Metre Gauge Railway line. In addition, rehabilitation of the 375 kilometres of the Tororo to Gulu Metre Gauge Railway will be completed by February 2026.
93. Madam Speaker, next financial year, priority interventions will include completing the rehabilitation of the Tororo-Gulu Metre Gauge Railway line; refurbishment of the Mukono-Jinja Metre Gauge Railway line; and construction of the Standard Gauge Railway from Kampala to Malaba.

Water Transport

94. Madam Speaker, Government has constructed and maintained a number of ferries providing essential services to connect isolated communities and facilitate access to markets. Government will continue to operate and maintain these ferries next financial year in addition to continued development of Bukasa Port, completing construction of the two ferries for Bukungu-Kaberamaido-Kagwara, and the two ferries for Lake Bunyonyi.

Air Transport

95. Madam Speaker, since the revival of Uganda Airlines 5 years ago by His Excellency the President, connectivity has improved within the continent, the Middle East, Asia and the United Kingdom. The airline is now flying to 17 direct destinations, which has contributed to reduced travel time at more affordable cost.
96. Madam Speaker, the competition brought about by the airline has forced other regional airlines to reduce the cost of air tickets. For example, a return air ticket to Nairobi has stabilised at about USD 300, compared to USD 800 in 2019.
97. Madam Speaker, the airline is supporting trade and tourism in addition to business air travel. The national airline is now the largest operator and has 24 percent market share of all air travel out of Entebbe Airport, up from 4 percent in 2019. Its revenue has increased to Shs 319 billion in FY 2023/24 from Shs 28 billion in FY 2019/20.
98. Madam Speaker, with increased capitalisation and acquisition of additional aircraft, the airline will increase efficiency and travellers to and from Uganda will enjoy direct and cheaper travel to more international destinations.
99. Madam Speaker, the upgrade, rehabilitation and expansion of Entebbe International Airport is nearly complete. The expanded airport has a new cargo facility, and a new passenger terminal, among others. This is going to further improve passenger experience, trade and tourism.
100. Madam Speaker, next financial year 2025/26, priority interventions will include:

(i) additional capitalisation of Uganda Airlines to acquire more aircraft, to open up more routes for passenger and cargo transportation, and handling capacity;

(ii) operationalisation of Kabalega International Airport; and (iii) rehabilitation and upgrade of the existing strategic airports and aerodromes.

101. Madam Speaker, I have provided Shs 6.92 trillion next financial year 2025/26 for integrated transport and infrastructure services including roads, bridges, railways, water transport and air transport.

Energy Development

102. Madam Speaker, several milestones have been registered in the development of our energy infrastructure. These include:
103. i) Installed electricity generation capacity has now reached 2,051.6

megawatts.

874. ii) The electricity transmission line network expanded by 874.8 kilometres, to 5,140 kilometres.

iii) Access to electricity has increased to 60 percent from 57 percent in FY 2023/24, after connecting over 197,000 new customers.

1. iv) Following the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) takeover of distribution of electricity, the cost of power has reduced by 14 percent, saving consumers Shs 250 billion annually. A tariff of USD 5 cents per kilowatt hour has been achieved for all extra-large consumers of electricity (those consuming above 1.5 megawatt) at off-peak.
2. Madam Speaker, I have provided Shs 1.04 trillion next financial year 2025/26 to undertake the following priority interventions:
3. i) Additional investment in UEDCL to ensure affordable, efficient, and reliable distribution of electricity to consumers.
4. ii) Enhance access to electricity through implementation of the USD 638 million Electricity Access Scale-up Project covering grid expansion, connectivity and clean energy options for 1 million new electricity

connections. Further, Government will continue investing in priority transmission lines and sub-stations, particularly to the industrial parks, growth centres and other strategic manufacturing facilities like the clinker factory in Moroto Karamoja, the fertiliser factory in Kampirigisa Mpigi, Simba Cement Factory in Mbarara Western Uganda, Dei BioPharma in Matugga Wakiso District, and the Coffee Factory in Ntungamo, among others.

iii) Commence development of new power generation plants to meet the growing demand. These include new hydro-power plants at Ayago and Oriang in Nwoya District, and Kiba in Oyam District, the development of the nuclear power in Buyende District, and rehabilitation of Kiira- Nalubaale Power Plant.

 

Industrial Development and Manufacturing

104. Madam Speaker, with regard to industrial development and manufacturing, the following achievements have been registered:
105. i) Government has operationalised 8 industrial parks, which include Namanve, Luzira, Bweyogerere, Mbale, Soroti, Kasese, Mbarara, and Jinja industrial parks. We have also supported the development of three privately owned industrial parks, which are Liao Shen Kapeeka in Nakaseke District, MMP in Buikwe District, and Tian Tang in Mukono.
106. ii) To date, a total of 628 companies/industries have been allocated land within the various industrial parks, 47 percent of which are in manufacturing. Out of all the companies allocated land, 307 are fully operational, 195 are undertaking construction, and 122 have commenced preparatory activities. The parks have attracted a total capital investment of USD 4.5 billion and created 181,403 jobs.

iii) Madam Speaker, several industrial parks have become centres of innovation, hosting firms that have introduced new technologies and products, such as: a single HIV pill (Quality Chemicals Ltd); GIS transformers (Orion Electricals); plastic-to-fabric recycling (Fei Long Investment Ltd); locally manufactured electric vehicles (Kira Motors); the first powder-free surgical gloves (East African Medical Vitals); and import substitution products like fridges, transformers, toiletries, textiles, ceramics, televisions, and blankets.

1. iv) Government has supported industrialisation by investing in strategic manufacturing facilities through Uganda Development Corporation with a total investment of Shs 1.2 trillion.
2. Madam Speaker, next financial year I have provided Shs 308.9 billion to further support infrastructure development in industrial parks, including roads, waste management, drainage, and utilities; and Shs 187 billon for capitalisation of UDC.

Security, Good Governance and Rule of Law

106. Madam Speaker, security, good governance and the rule of law are the foundation for socio-economic transformation. During this financial year, the following achievements were registered:
107. i) Strengthened and modernised the security infrastructure to protect Ugandans, investors and our visitors from any security threats. We have invested in security apparatus and more sophisticated intelligence network and border control mechanisms.
108. ii) Provided adequate funds to security institutions, including the Military, Police, Prisons, and intelligence agencies for operations, and improving capacity and welfare of men and women in uniform.

iii) Promoted regional and international relations, including playing a strategic role in peace processes in Somalia, South Sudan, the DRC, and Equatorial Guinea.

4. iv) Registered a 4.1% decrease in the volume of crime from 228,074 cases reported in 2023 to 218,715 cases in 2024 and a subsequent decline in the crime rate from 516 to 476 per 100,000 persons.
5. i) Commenced mass enrolment of Ugandans on 27th May 2025 to acquire National Identity Cards with a target of registering 17.2 million unregistered persons and renewing 15.8 million expired cards. Apart from securing elections and aiding our national security, the National ID has contributed to improved efficiency in accessing public services, broadened financial inclusion, eased travel within the EAC and stamped out fraud arising from identification.
6. ii) Improved efficiency in the delivery of citizenship and immigration control services. The average turnaround time for processing of ordinary passports has reduced to 4 from 14 days.

iii) Government has started to roll out the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) to improve security. To date, 26,818 vehicles and 62,512 motorcycles have been registered. In addition, Government has invested in security cameras to improve tracking of crime in Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area and on major highways. Government has also started implementing regulations for speed limits using the Express Penalty System (EPS) to reduce fatalities on roads.

1. iv) The Uganda Prisons is transforming from a consumptive to a productive force. This has contributed to food security and reduced the budget required to look after inmates. In addition, the Prisons Service contributed to growth of local textile industry through increased production of cotton.

This financial year, the service produced 1,733 metric tons of maize seed, 305,485 kilograms of cotton for the local textile industries and 12,290 metric tons of grain to contribute to prisoners’ feeding requirements.

72. v) Government was effectively represented in Courts, Tribunals and Commissions. Out of 393 cases concluded, Government won 285 (72.5 percent) and saved Shs 548 billion that would have otherwise been paid as costs.
73. vi) Government implemented the NRM Manifesto commitment on cattle compensation in the Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions. Since financial year 2021/22, a total of Shs 142.9 billion has been paid to 53,592 claimants. I have provided Shs 80 billion next financial year to pay the remaining claimants. In addition, I have provided Shs 15 billion for exgratia (akasiimo) of the Luweero war victims.
74. Madam Speaker, next financial year, I have provided Shs 9.9 trillion for:

(i) consolidating Uganda’s security through continued modernisation and professionalisation of the security agencies; (ii) improving the welfare of the security forces; (iii) undertaking general elections in 2026; (iv) increasing access to justice, law and order services; and (v) strengthening immigration and bordersecurity;

108. Madam Speaker, Government is stepping up the fight against corruption. We are automating all Government processes to reduce human interaction and ensure traceability, investing in more performance and forensic audits, and enforcing accountability.

 

Administration of Justice

109. Madam Speaker, the following achievements were registered:
110. i) The Judiciary has significantly scaled up Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms like mediation, plea bargaining, and small claims procedures, reducing justice costs and speeding up dispute resolution. For example, in 2024, a total of 3,391 cases were resolved through mediation. In addition, plea bargaining achieved a success rate of 87 percent.
111. ii) Completed the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Rukungiri High Court, and Budaka and Patongo Magistrate Courts. Five new High Court Circuits in Wakiso, Entebbe, Kumi, Lugazi, Patongo and 10 Magistrates Courts were operationalized, bringing the total to 268 courts countrywide.

Construction is ongoing of regional Appeal Courts in Gulu and Mbarara, Soroti and Tororo High Courts and Karenga Magistrates Court. This will further reduce travel distances for justice.

iii) There is increased use of technology in the delivery of justice. The Electronic Court Case Management System is now operational in 20 courts, boosting filing rates by 20.6 percent. Additionally, 20 courts have video conferencing systems, enabling online case handling which has improved efficiency.

110. Madam Speaker, I have provided Shs 602.7 billion next financial year under the Administration of Justice Programme for strengthening alternative dispute resolution, increased use of technology in justice delivery, building more courts to improve access to justice, and increasing the civil jurisdiction of magistrates’ courts.

Legislation and Oversight

111. Madam Speaker, the Legislature has registered several achievements during FY 2024/25. Parliament held 75 sittings and passed 35 bills, concluded 3 petitions, passed 45 resolutions and adopted 53 reports. Most importantly, the turnaround time for enactment of legislation has reduced significantly. I commend you Rt. Hon Speaker for this tremendous achievement.
112. Madam Speaker, I have provided a total of Shs 1.03 trillion next financial year for legislative processes, public engagements and outreach, providing parliamentary oversight of democracy and governance, and ensuring accountability for public funds and implementation of public programmes.

Management of Natural Disasters

113. Madam Speaker, to protect Ugandans from disaster, this financial year Government invested Shs 200.3 billion in early warning systems, mitigation interventions and provision of relief items to affected households and communities in the disaster-prone areas.
114. Madam Speaker, next financial year, I have provided Shs 20.7 billion plus a contingency Fund of Shs 169 billion to support disaster management. I havecalso provided Shs 12.4 billion for improving meteorological services and early warning systems to improve efficiency and accuracy of weather forecasting for agriculture, air travel, and climate change tracking.

Elimination of Domestic Arrears

115. Madam Speaker, Government has put in place a strategy to eliminate domestic arrears in three financial years starting FY 2025/26. Payment of domestic arrears will prioritise suppliers of goods and services, contractors, and compensations for land and to war claimants.
116. Madam Speaker, I have increased the allocation for domestic arrears to Shs 1.4 trillion from Shs 200 billion provided this financial year. To prevent accumulation of new arrears, starting next financial year, my Ministry shall implement the following measures: (i) enforcement of the commitment control system; (ii) sanctioning Accounting Officers responsible for creation of any new arrears; and (iii) providing and ring fencing adequate counterpart funding for multi-year projects.

Resource Envelope

117. Madam Speaker, the total resource envelope for FY 2025/26 amounts to Seventy- Two Trillion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Six Billion, Four Hundred and Eighty-One Million, Four Hundred Eighty-One Million, Five Hundred-Two Thousand, One Hundred-Three Shillings (72,376,481,502,103/=). This is detailed as follows:
118. i) Domestic revenue amounting to Shs 37.55 trillion, of which Shs 33.94 trillion will be tax revenue, Shs 3.28 trillion non-tax revenue, and Shs 328.6 billion Local Government revenue;
119. ii) Domestic borrowing, Shs 11.38 trillion;

iii) Domestic refinancing of maturing domestic debt, Shs 10.03 trillion;

11. iv) Grants and external borrowing for general budget financing, Shs 2.08 trillion; and
12. v) External financing for projects, Shs 11.33 trillion of which Shs 2.8 trillion are grants.

Expenditure Allocations

118. Madam Speaker, the above resource has been allocated as follows:
119. i) Wages and salaries, Shs 8.57 trillion;
120. ii) Non-wage recurrent expenditure, Shs 28.33 trillion, which also includes operational funds for institutions, financing for all wealth creation funds, financing for science and technology investments, grants for education and health, medicines, maintenance of infrastructure, and interest payments, among others;

iii) Development expenditure, Shs 18.24 trillion;

10. iv) Domestic debt refinancing, Shs 10.03 trillion;
11. v) Debt amortization, Shs 4.98 trillion;
12. vi) Domestic debt repayment to Bank of Uganda, Shs 493 billion;

vii) Domestic arrears, Shs 1.4 trillion; and

viii) Local Government expenditure from own revenue, Shs 328.6 billion.

119. Madam Speaker, I have attached the details of the Resource Envelope and Expenditure Allocations by Vote for FY 2025/26 as Annexes 2 and 3.

 

The Financing Strategy for FY 2025/26

120. Madam Speaker, below is the financing strategy for next financial year:
121. i) Improving tax administration to raise an additional Shs 1.89 trillion.
122. ii) Introduction of new tax measures to increase domestic revenue by Shs 538.6 billion.

iii) Rationalising tax exemptions to eliminate inefficient ones that do not support industrial policy.

1. iv) Repurposing resources in the budget for FY 2024/25 from less productive to high-impact areas in line with the Tenfold Growth Strategy.
2. v) Mobilising more concessional financing from international financial institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, BADEA, etc.

1. vi) Mobilising development finance from other innovative sources, including Public Private Partnerships, climate finance, private equity, Sukuk bonds, Panda bond, diaspora bonds, etc.

Tax Measures for Financial Year 2025/26

121. Madam Speaker, an additional revenue of Shs 538.6 billion will be raised from new tax policy measures that were approved by Parliament. In addition to raising revenue, the measures will support the growth of businesses and the economy.

122. The measures also include technical amendments to tax laws aimed at improving clarity and consistency, creating a fairer and more predictable tax environment for businesses and taxpayers, and removing ambiguities that create loopholes leading to revenue leakages. These amendments are also intended to enhance tax administration, encourage voluntary compliance, and empower the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to effectively enforce tax laws.
123. Madam Speaker, I wish to present key highlights of changes in the tax laws:

Income Tax

Exemption for Start-up Businesses

123. The NRM Government has granted a three-year income tax holiday for startup businesses established by citizens after 1st July 2025. This is intended to support start-ups that struggle with high initial investment costs. The incentive is to foster innovation, encourage formalisation of SMEs, enhance business survival, and promote employment. Exemption from Capital Gains Tax on Transactions
124. Government has granted an exemption from capital gains tax on transactions where an individual transfers asset to a company they have established but also under their control. This is a deliberate policy intervention aimed at encouraging formalisation of businesses.
125. Madam Speaker, currently, many Ugandans operate businesses under their personal names, often as sole proprietors or informal entities. When these individuals seek to transition into more formal and structured corporate entities for purposes of growth, access to finance, strengthening governance, or succession planning, they face a capital gains tax liability simply for transferring their assets into a company they fully own. This tax burden has been removed.

 

Income Tax Exemption for Bujagali Hydro-Power Project

126. Madam Speaker, Government has granted an income tax exemption to Bujagali Energy Limited for one year up to 30th June 2026 in accordance with our contractual obligations. This is intended to mitigate a rise in electricity tariffs.

Stamp Duty

Removal of Stamp Duty on Mortgages and Agreements

127. Madam Speaker, Government has removed stamp duty on mortgages and agreements. This reform is intended to lower the cost of debt for businesses and individuals. It will also remove the financial burden imposed on businesses and individuals when they enter into agreements.

Tax Procedures Code

Waiver of Interest and Penalty for Voluntary Payment of Outstanding Principal Tax.

128. Government has extended the waiver period of any interest and penalties outstanding as at 30th June 2024, provided that the taxpayer pays the principal tax by 30th June 2026. This waiver is intended to provide relief to businesses and individuals to enable them to settle outstanding tax liabilities and resume normal operations.

 

Value Added Tax

Reform of the Penalty Regime for Non-Compliance with EFRIS

129. Madam Speaker, we have implemented the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS) to improve tax compliance and reduce tax evasion.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the high penalties of Shs 6 million per invoice, regardless of the value of the transaction, which disproportionately burdened taxpayers. To address this issue, the penalty structure has been amended so that the penalty for non-compliance will instead be twice the tax owed by the taxpayer.

130. I urge taxpayers to embrace the EFRIS system as it helps the taxpayer to reduce lengthy and burdensome interactions with URA staff, audits and penalties. It also promotes transparency and creates an even-playing field.

Excise Duty

131. Madam Speaker, we have increased the taxes on cigarettes to discourage consumption but also generate additional revenue. Excise duty on soft cap cigarettes has been increased to Shs 65,000 per 1,000 sticks from Shs 55,000, and hinge lid cigarettes to Shs 90,000 per 1,000 sticks from Shs 80,000. For those outside EAC, excise duty on soft cap cigarettes has been increased to Shs 150,000 per 1,000 sticks from Shs 75,000, and hinge lid cigarettes to Shs 200,000 per 1,000 sticks from Shs 100,000.

 

132. Madam Speaker, Government has removed the excise duty rate of 30 percent or Shs 950 per litre, whichever is higher, on beer manufactured from barley that is grown and malted in Uganda, because it was redundant. Also, Government has adjusted the excise duty on beer manufactured with local raw material content of at least 75 percent by weight of its constituents, excluding water, to 30 percent or Shs 900 per litre from 30 percent or Shs 650 per litre, whichever is higher. This is to ensure that a manufacture pays the same amount of tax whether using a specific rate or an ad valorem rate.

Taxes on External Trade

Introduction of an Import Declaration Fee on Imported Items

133. Madam Speaker, I have imposed a small fee of 1 percent of the customs value on taxable items under the common external tariff. This measure seeks to align Uganda’s tax policy with those of other EAC Partner States, where similar fees have been imposed. For instance, Kenya applies a 2 percent CIF charge.

Establishment of an Export Levy on Wheat Bran, Cotton Cake, and Maize Brand

134. Madam Speaker, Government has imposed an export levy of USD 10 per metric ton of wheat bran, cotton cake or maize bran to encourage local value addition, particularly in the production of animal feeds. Currently, these products are exported as raw materials in the region, where value is added and imported into Uganda as finished goods. Therefore, this measure will encourage value addition and create jobs for Ugandans.

 

Taxes on Textiles

135. Madam Speaker, the NRM Government has listened to our traders dealing in imported textiles for value addition. As they requested, the import duty on imported fabrics has been reduced. Effective 1st July 2025, the duty will be USD 2 per kilogram or 35 percent, whichever is the higher, down from USD 3 per kilogram or 35 percent, whichever is higher. In addition, the import duty on garments has been reduced to USD 2.5 per kilogram or 35 percent, whichever is higher, from USD 3.5 per kilogram or 35 percent, whichever is higher.

Public Debt

136. Madam Speaker, the stock of public debt is projected at USD 31.5 billion, equivalent to Shs 116 trillion, by end June 2025. Of this, external debt accounts for USD 15.49 billion, equivalent to Shs 56.3 trillion, and domestic debt USD 16 billion, equivalent to Shs 59.77 trillion. As a ratio of GDP, our public debt is estimated at 51.26 percent, which is consistent with the Charter of Fiscal Responsibility.
137. Madam Speaker, Uganda’s debt is sustainable and is projected to remain so in the medium to long term. The debt has financed investments that support private sector growth by providing the requisite infrastructure.
138. Over the last 10 years, the areas which public debt has financed include integrated transport infrastructure (29.3 percent), electricity infrastructure including power generation plants and transmission lines (27.6 percent), water for production and consumption (11.5 percent), agro-industrialisation (5.1 percent), education and health (5 percent), housing and urban development (3 percent), and development of industrial parks (2 percent).
139. To maintain public debt sustainability, Government is implementing the following actions:
140. i) Domestic revenue mobilisation to increase revenue collection and reduce borrowing.
141. ii) Mobilising more concessional financing from international financial institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, BADEA, etc.

iii) Implementation of the Okusevinga initiative, where Ugandans will invest in Government securities using mobile money.

 

1. CONCLUSION

2. Madam Speaker, in conclusion, Uganda’s economy has taken off. The economic fundamentals – GDP growth, price stability, currency stability, jobs, export and FDI receipts – are in good shape, and highly competitive regionally and globally.

We have met the criteria for graduation from the category of LDCs. Poverty and inequality have reduced, significantly. Our deliberate onslaught on the subsistence economy has resulted in cutting the number of Ugandans working for only the stomach to just 3 in every 10 households.

141. With our renewed commitment to fast-track full monetisation of the economy and redirect resources towards agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral beneficiation, manufacturing, innovations by our scientists and digital transformation, Uganda is indeed unstoppable.
142. We are determined to transform into a 500-billion-dollar economy, powered by value addition to our abundant agricultural raw materials and natural resources, growth in industry, tourism and the knowledge economy.
143. This budget, therefore, is for all Ugandans who are ready to create wealth. Fellow countrymen and women, take full advantage of the innumerable opportunities contained in this budget.
144. To those still in the subsistence economy, the PDM and other wealth creation funds have been availed to support you to join the money economy in any of the four sectors – commercial agriculture, industry, services, or ICT.
145. To the private sector, the Tenfold Growth Strategy presents many opportunities. Demand for household services and consumables is going to increase exponentially in the next 15 years on account of rising household incomes. The increase in GDP represents larger demand for intermediate goods and services among businesses. With a larger economy, Government revenue will increase, and so will the size of Government contracts to the private sector.
146. To the investors and our partners in development, this budget guarantees peace and security, easy taxes, and a tolerable administration of justice. In Uganda, we protect private property, enforce contracts and repay our debt.
147. To the youth, this budget offers opportunities to acquire more skills, access finance, innovate and develop new and better products. The budget also contains huge investments in sports, particularly to upgrade the facilities in preparation for CHAN and AFCON27.
148. To those in the creative industry, the NRM Government has fulfilled its promise to provide you with a revolving fund, acquire a home for you, and enact a copyright law to protect your intellectual property. This is just the beginning of what we intend to do to open doors for you to escape unemployment and manipulation by self-interested individuals and groups. Take full advantage of the opportunities to make money and live a productive life.
149. To the women and mothers of this nation, the budget has provided funds to improve your health, to ensure that your children are born in safe hands, are immunised, sleep under a mosquito net, drink clean, safe water, and are educated in a nearby school for free. The budget has also allocated billions to support your businesses, however small, to graduate into sustainable businesses.
150. To the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable persons, wherever you are in this country, the budget offers several social safety nets not only to shield you from poverty but also to ensure that you can be productive and begin to live a decent life.
151. To our Cultural Leaders, this budget has fulfilled His Excellency the President’s promise of enhancing Government support for your operations. For religious leaders, the budget has provided funding to support functions of the Inter- Religious Council. I now appeal to you to support mobilisation of people for wealth creation and implementation of Government programmes.
152. To the gallant men and women in uniform, who are serving in the UPDF, in the Uganda Police, in the Uganda Prisons, and in the intelligence services, this budget contains money to improve your welfare and capabilities. Continue to serve your country and keep it as safe as you have always done. Happy belated Heroes Day.
153. I have adequately provided resources to ensure the elections go on successfully by ensuring peace, security, law and order and availability of all the required equipment and documents. As we go about the electoral process, I implore all political actors to observe peaceful engagement and avoid distracting wealth creators.
154. Madam Speaker, as I step off this podium, I would like to reiterate His Excellency the President’s call to all Ugandans to embrace wealth creation. I dedicate this budget to all the wealth creators, particularly the youth and women.

155. Madam Speaker, I beg to move.