Musasizi Promoted to Finance Minister in Uganda Cabinet Reshuffle

Henry Musasizi has risen to become Uganda's full Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, a significant promotion within President Yoweri Museveni's newly announced cabinet. This move places seven leaders from the Kigezi sub-region in key positions, highlighting the area's growing political clout.

Musasizi, previously the State Minister for Finance in charge of General Duties, now takes over from Matia Kasaija. He has been instrumental in supervising budget implementation, debt management, and fiscal transfers to local governments since 2021. His responsibilities also included coordinating with Parliament and district authorities on supplementary budgets and local government financing, and representing Uganda in regional economic forums.

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His elevation places him at the centre of Uganda's economic management at a time when government priorities include boosting domestic revenue, financing infrastructure development, and implementing the Parish Development Model.

His appointment comes at a critical juncture for Uganda's economy. Key priorities include increasing domestic revenue collection, funding infrastructure projects, and implementing the Parish Development Model. Musasizi's experience is expected to provide continuity in fiscal reforms, but he faces the immediate challenge of balancing fiscal discipline with development needs. Expanding the tax base without hindering private sector growth and managing public debt, which stood at 48.4% of GDP by June 2026, are among the pressing issues.

Observers note that Musasizi steps into the role during a demanding economic period. His first major task will be guiding the formulation of the 2026/27 national budget, a process that will test his ability to navigate these complex fiscal challenges.

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Musasizi's experience within the ministry could offer continuity in ongoing fiscal reforms, though they caution that he steps into the role at a demanding economic moment.