The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, Ramathan Ggoobi, has dismissed claims that the growth of Uganda’s economy is invisible while speaking during the 5th edition of the Absa Post-Budget Forum, a high-level engagement that brought together key stakeholders from government and the private sector to discuss the implications of the 2026/27 National Budget. The forum also heard from private sector leaders and tax administrators who expressed optimism about the budget framework.

Today marked the 5th edition of the Absa Post-Budget Forum, a high-level engagement that brought together key players from government and the private sector to discuss the implications of the 2026/27 national budget.

The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury for the Ministry of Finance, Ramathan Ggoobi, noted that it is foolhardy for anyone to claim Uganda’s economy is static.

The Secretary to the Treasury said the current economic outlook of the country indicates everything is moving in the right direction.

Speaking during the dialogue, Absa Uganda Chief Financial Officer Michael Segwaya expressed optimism about Uganda’s Budget Framework, saying several of its priorities signal strong potential for business and economic growth.

He pointed to the projected acceleration in economic growth from 6.6 percent to 10.4 percent as a sign of confidence in the country’s economic direction.

Garry Kizito, Assistant Commissioner Compliance Management, voiced that when taxes are paid, the expectations are to construct good roads; improve transport areas, education, security, and medical services, among others; and added that there is a need to have discipline on resource utilization and expenditure.

Stakeholders called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, and financial institutions, noting that Absa remains committed to supporting Uganda’s growth through financing and partnerships across key sectors.