Minister Musasizi Begins Tenure on Heroes’ Day, Pledges Collaborative Economic Push Ahead of National Budget 

Hon Minister Henry Musasizi/ Courtsey Photo

By Wilfred Arinda Nshekantebirwe

Kampala, Uganda. In a symbolic start to his leadership at the helm of Uganda’s economy, Hon. Henry Musasizi, the newly appointed Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, officially reported for duty on National Heroes’ Day, June 9, 2026.

The day, which commemorates the sacrifices of Ugandans during the 1981-1986 Bush War that ushered in the current NRM government, provided a poignant backdrop for Musasizi’s first official engagement.

Heroes’ Day serves as a powerful reminder of service, sacrifice, and national commitment, values the minister said will guide his stewardship of the country’s finances.

Musasizi, who represents Rubanda East in Parliament and previously served as Minister of State for Finance (General Duties), was warmly received at the Ministry headquarters by Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi, alongside the senior technical team.

During the introductory meeting, the team provided a comprehensive briefing on preparations for the highly anticipated 2026/27 National Budget Speech, which the minister is scheduled to deliver on Thursday at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

Parliament has already approved the Shs84.3 trillion budget, marking a significant increase from the previous year.

Final touches of budget preparations as Minister Musasizi and PSST take charge of the proceedings

Photos from the occasion show Musasizi in formal discussions with officials and settling into his new role at the ministry, projecting an image of smooth transition and readiness for the demanding task ahead.

In his statement via his X handle @henrymusasizi1, he expressed gratitude for the reception and emphasized teamwork.

“It is a profound honor to begin work on Heroes’ Day,” he said. “I look forward to working closely with the PSST, the technical team, and all stakeholders to deliver on this.

View of the entire budget preparations committee meeting ongoing as Minister Musasizi prepares to read budget on Thursday.

Musasizi’s appointment follows a recent cabinet reshuffle by President Yoweri Museveni. He has outlined an ambitious vision focused on transitioning Uganda from incremental growth to “exponential economic takeoff” through five key pillars. His priorities include strengthening collaboration with stakeholders to advance national development goals. 

As the country prepares for the budget presentation themed around commercial agriculture, industrialization, services, digital transformation, and market access, expectations are high for measures that will drive wealth creation, job opportunities, and long-term economic stability toward the Vision of growing the economy to USD 500 billion by 2040.

Dr. Ggoobi and the technical team have described the upcoming budget as a “people’s budget,” with emphasis on health, education, and infrastructure, even as concerns around public debt and taxation remain part of the national conversation.

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