Uganda Treasury Secretary Defends Trade Order Enforcement for Economic Transformation

Uganda's Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, has asserted that the current enforcement of trade order across the country is a deliberate strategy aimed at transforming the nation's economy. He emphasized that organized business practices are fundamental to Uganda's economic development and its ability to attract foreign investment.

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Enforcement of trade order and ensuring that we get some orderly way of doing business in Uganda is critical.

Speaking at the 2026 Absa Post-Budget Forum, Ggoobi outlined that Uganda's future economic growth hinges not only on increased public spending but also on the implementation of reforms designed to enhance accountability, efficiency, trade order, and tax compliance. The government is shifting its focus from mere economic planning to the disciplined execution of policies that foster growth, industrialization, and job creation.

"Enforcement of trade order and ensuring that we get some orderly way of doing business in Uganda is critical," Ggoobi stated. He criticized the tendency of individuals seeking exceptions based on personal circumstances, arguing that such practices are detrimental to the economy and deter serious investors. The government, he added, is prepared to make difficult decisions that may cause short-term inconvenience but are essential for long-term economic prosperity.

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This tendency of everybody saying, 'I am an orphan, I am a widow, so I should sell in the middle of the road,' is not good for the economy and it is affecting our ability to attract serious investors.

The government's priorities for the 2026/2027 financial year include investments in agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral beneficiation, and science, technology, and innovation. Ggoobi clarified that while the national budget is reported at over Shs84 trillion, a substantial part is for debt refinancing, leaving approximately 57 trillion shillings for discretionary spending. Of this, about 95 percent will be directed towards productive sectors and critical enablers like roads, electricity, irrigation, and industrial parks.

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We are going to inconvenience people going forward. The political leadership led by President Museveni has committed that this is the only way forward. We must get organized if we are to grow the economy and attract investment.

Ggoobi also highlighted the government's commitment to budget discipline and accountability, including scrutinizing expenditures on allowances, consultancies, and workshops to redirect resources toward development priorities. He cited instances of wasteful spending, such as government entities hiring external consultants despite having qualified internal staff.

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We are committed to budget discipline and accountability. We must ensure that public resources are spent on activities that create value rather than on unnecessary expenditures.