The Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Mathias Kasaija, has tasked local government to align the 2025/2025 budget frameworks with the national priorities.
In a speech read for him by Moses Kabanda, a Commissioner in the Ministry of Finance, while opening a two-week budget consultative workshop in Lira City.
The workshop that commenced on Monday, September 16, 2024, aimed at shaping the fiscal landscape for the financial year 2025/26.
He urged local government leaders from Gulu, Amolatar, Kalaki, Kwania, Kaberamaido, Kiryandongo, and Gulu City to ensure their budget frameworks adhere to the government’s ten-fold growth strategy outlined in the National Development Plan IV (NDP4).
“You should ensure that your budget framework papers for FY 2025/26 are prepared in line with the grant guidelines and the guidance issued in the 1st Budget Call Circular,” Kabanda said.
He emphasized the importance of feedback from last year’s budget consultations and highlighted the necessity for local governments to finalize their respective development plans by March 31, 2025, to facilitate efficient budgetary releases.
Kabanda addressed concerns regarding the delayed revolting of unspent funds related to the Uganda Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfer (UGIFT) and the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USAID).
Kabanda reassured participants that the government is committed to timely disbursement of the funds to support ongoing projects.
“For FY 2024/25, I have already authorized a supplementary budget of Ugx129 billion, of which Ugx116 billion is allocated for UGIFT and Ugx13 billion for USMID funds,” he added.
During the workshop, local government leaders are expected to engage in meaningful discussions about budget strategies and the strategic direction of NDP4, aiming to translate these plans into local economic growth.
According to Kabanda, the outcome of these consultations will play a crucial role in shaping the financial priorities of local governments in the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring alignment with the national vision for economic development.
These consultative workshops provide an avenue for all local government political and technical leaders and civil society organizations to discuss widely the budget strategy for FY 2025/26, which helps in the efficient and effective allocation of resources to areas that will have the most significant impact in the community.
