The Minister Of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, has reassured Ugandans that the country’s economy remains stable and on the trajectory of continued growth, despite the expenses expected in the forthcoming general presidential and parliamentary elections.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with NBS Television on Sunday, Kasaija emphasised that government spending is strategically directed toward projects that have tangible benefits for Ugandans across the country.
“We must ensure that growth reaches all corners of the country. This means education and skilling. A young graduate in Gulu should have the same chance to access ICT training and jobs as one in Kampala.”
The Minister pointed to targeted social programs such as the Social Assistance Grants for the Empowerment of the Elderly and the Emyooga SACCO funds, which he said are designed to lift communities at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
Kasaija defended Uganda’s borrowing, urging citizens to judge loans by the infrastructure they finance.
“Entebbe Expressway has cut travel time to the airport from 2 hours to 40 minutes; a direct benefit to business people, tourists and exporters. These are among the projects that are financed by borrowing and they improve competitiveness.”
He further noted that the Karuma Hydropower Dam, now nearing completion, will provide affordable to homes and industries for decades to come.
“Borrowing has not been without issues, but Ugandans can see the bridges, dams, hospitals that loans have delivered,” he added.
On the much-anticipated oil revenues, Kasaija pledged discipline and transparency in resource management.
“Oil revenues will go into infrastructures that every Ugandan can touch such as schools, hospitals, irrigation schemes. Uganda is determined to make oil a blessing and not a curse by embedding discipline, transparency and citizen involvement.”
Kasaija painted an optimistic picture of Uganda’s economic future, stressing the opportunities available for those willing to engage in productive work.
“Uganda is a beautiful and peaceful country. Everybody who comes to Uganda are really applauding. The economy is running at high speed (eduka), but to benefit from it you have to be working and not just sitting idle.”
“There are hundreds of opportunities in Uganda. Really without exaggeration; Uganda today and now – Ki Uganda Kinyuma”
