Uganda’s Shs 84.39 trillion budget for 2026/27 has set the stage for sharp debate, as allocations to health, infrastructure, and education reveal both government priorities and lingering public concerns over whether the record spending will translate into tangible improvements in everyday life or not. We take you through some key sectors, examining the cuts in health, the heavy investment in infrastructure, and the expanded funding for education to understand what this budget means for citizens across the country.

Uganda yesterday unveiled its most ambitious national budget yet, Shs 84.39 trillion for the 2026/27 financial year, marking a significant rise from the revised Shs 81.61 trillion in 2025/26. While the government highlighted this expansion as a step toward growth, public attention has turned to the allocations in health, infrastructure, and education sectors that directly shape citizens’ daily lives and continue to stir debate over whether the budget truly meets their pressing needs.

Following the government's recent policy to cut allowances for medical interns, a move that has sparked public outcry and calls for reversal, the health sector faces renewed scrutiny. Despite these concerns, Uganda’s 2026/27 national budget allocated Shs 5.23 trillion to health, down from Shs 5.87 trillion in the previous year. The reduction, largely attributed to declining external donor support, underscores persistent challenges in financing healthcare. As the minister outlined this year’s priorities, questions remain over whether the sector can meet growing demands amid constrained resources.

With transport and infrastructure being the most funded sector, the president highlighted the need for investment for this particular sector.

A total of Shs 8.79 trillion was allocated for the transport infrastructure development with priority areas including the construction of the Malaba–Kampala Standard Gauge Railway and the completion of the rehabilitation of the Meter Gauge Railway, among others.

For the 2026/27 financial year, the Government of Uganda allocated Shs 6.66 trillion to the education, skills, and sports sector—an increase from Shs 5.04 trillion in 2025/26. While last year’s funding drew criticism over unresolved salary disparities and inadequate infrastructure to meet rising enrolments, the new allocation is intended to address these gaps. Government plans include enhancing teacher salaries and expanding both Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) to strengthen access and quality across the sector.

Uganda’s 2026/27 budget reflects a trade‑off between long‑term development and immediate social needs, with health funding being reduced; concerns are raised about sustainability and fairness in service delivery, especially amid unpopular policies like cutting medical intern allowances. Infrastructure receives the largest share, positioning transport projects as drivers of economic growth, though their benefits may take years to materialize and rely heavily on debt financing. Education sees increased investment aimed at improving teacher welfare and expanding UPE/USE, yet questions remain about whether these funds can resolve persistent challenges such as overcrowding and quality gaps.