In alignment with the government spending on pressing national priorities, the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has released UGX 15.64 trillion for the third quarter (January to March 2025) of the Financial Year 2024/25.
This release represents 21.68% of the approved annual budget, signaling the government’s commitment to ensuring critical services are delivered efficiently while advancing the nation’s economic growth agenda.
The third-quarter disbursement is structured to address persistent challenges and unlock potential across key sectors. A major focus remains on wages, pensions, and recurrent expenditures, as highlighted by Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) Ramathan Ggoobi.
“This quarter’s allocation is designed not only to meet the government’s financial obligations but also to target strategic sectors driving economic growth and social transformation,” he stated.
A total of up to UGX 2.044 trillion, is earmarked for wages and salaries, covering public servants across all government institutions. Additionally, UGX 283.28 billion has been allocated for pensions and gratuities to ensure retirees receive their payments on time.
In an effort to streamline financial management, Ggoobi directed accounting officers to process these payments by the 28th of each month.
This proactive approach is expected to alleviate financial stress among workers and retirees, ensuring consistent service delivery in critical areas like education, health, and security.
“By guaranteeing timely payments, we aim to foster trust, reduce operational disruptions, and improve overall productivity,” Ggoobi emphasized.
With UGX 308.75 billion allocated to local governments, the release highlights an intentional shift toward community-driven development.
Notably, UGX 112.28 billion will fund education capitation grants for the first term, ensuring schools reopen smoothly, while UGX 36.6 billion will support health institutions in rural and urban areas.
Further, wealth creation programs received a significant boost. The Parish Development Model (PDM) was allocated UGX 529 billion to empower smallholder farmers, expand agro-industrialization, and reduce poverty at the grassroots.
Additionally, UGX 30 billion was channeled to the Uganda Development Bank to support small-scale enterprises, while UGX 31 billion went to the Uganda Development Corporation to drive industrialization efforts.
The government’s health sector strategy continues to focus on accessibility and quality. UGX 110.65 billion was allocated to the National Medical Stores (NMS) for essential drugs and supplies, raising its cumulative releases to 85% of the approved budget.
Other health investments include UGX 35.9 billion for referral hospitals, UGX 6.84 billion for the Uganda Cancer Institute, UGX 7.52 billion for the Uganda Heart Institute, and UGX 5.78 billion for the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services.
Social protection received attention as well, with UGX 45.77 billion allocated to the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) program, targeting vulnerable groups like the elderly and persons with disabilities.
By addressing health and social safety nets, the government is mitigating systemic inequalities and enhancing the quality of life for Uganda’s most marginalized populations.
To accelerate industrialization and connectivity, the Ministry of Works and Transport received UGX 396.55 billion to advance critical projects like the Standard Gauge Railway, Kabalega International Airport, and Bukasa Port.
In parallel, UGX 243.34 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, emphasizing rural electrification and sustainable energy projects.
Education and health infrastructure upgrades in local governments also featured prominently, with UGX 231.64 billion set aside for improvements in these sectors. Such investments are expected to enhance access to essential services while stimulating job creation through project implementation.
Innovation and technology were not overlooked. UGX 40.92 billion was dedicated to ICT and innovation projects, while UGX 4.66 billion supported tourism through the Source of the Nile project. These allocations align with Uganda’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based and tourist-friendly economy.
The agricultural sector, seen as a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy was allocated UGX 52.3 billion for agro-industrialization under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries. These funds will enhance food security, boost export earnings, and create sustainable livelihoods for millions of Ugandans.
At the heart of this release is a commitment to fiscal discipline. Ggoobi stressed the importance of adhering to approved work plans and avoiding unauthorized commitments.
“Our goal is to move resources from outdated priorities to key growth drivers, promoting technical efficiency and ensuring service delivery at the lowest cost,” he said.
To enhance transparency, the Ministry is encouraging citizens to access detailed budget information through its website and the Budget Call Centre. By integrating public oversight, the government seeks to foster accountability and citizen participation in the budget process.
The Q3 budget release paints a picture of a government determined to balance immediate needs with long-term growth strategies. By targeting key sectors, supporting grassroots development, and enforcing fiscal discipline, Uganda is positioning itself for sustained progress.
With citizens, policymakers, and stakeholders actively engaged, the release marks a pivotal step toward inclusive growth and resilient service delivery.
As these funds are deployed, the focus must remain on translating investments into tangible benefits for every Ugandan, ensuring no one is left behind in the journey toward national prosperity.
Picture sourced from the net