Matia Kasaija's Colorful Legacy as Finance Minister

Matia Kasaija is stepping down as Uganda's Finance Minister after ten years, concluding a tenure marked by both significant economic management and a distinctive public persona. Beyond budget speeches and economic policies, Kasaija's legacy is deeply intertwined with his colorful and often unscripted remarks, which frequently made him a recognizable and popular figure.

“

…the economy is now swiiiii,” he said, gesturing with his hand to mimic an aircraft taking off.

At 82, the veteran politician navigated Uganda's economy through turbulent times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, global inflation, and the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine war. His ability to connect with journalists and parliamentarians through candid, sometimes controversial, statements endeared him to many. While some described his remarks as innocent or inadvertent, others felt he spoke directly from the heart, a trait that occasionally led to public debate.

“

When I go to Parliament, they usually say, ‘Kasaija, you said the economy was moving like this… what happened?’ …In movement, you expect accidents; we had an accident. But that does not mean the train stopped; the train is still moving.

Kasaija became one of the most quoted ministers of his generation. His public statements often provided a touch of humor and surprise, eagerly anticipated by the media. Memorable quotes include his 2018 description of Uganda's economy as being in "take-off mode," accompanied by a hand gesture mimicking an aircraft. Later, facing economic slowdown, he used a train analogy: "In movement, you expect accidents; we had an accident. But that does not mean the train stopped; the train is still moving."

“

Colleagues, money will come.

Perhaps his most viral assurance came when he told MPs facing cash shortages, "Colleagues, money will come." This statement gained such traction that he later jokingly announced during a budget presentation, "Colleagues, money has come," eliciting his characteristic laughter. Despite the public's fondness for his wit, Kasaija's primary role involved the challenging task of securing funds for government programs, often from external lenders, a duty he sometimes found frustrating, likening himself to a beggar when seeking World Bank financing.

“

Colleagues, money has come.