Uganda's 2026/27 Budget Prioritizes Economic Monetisation and Sector Growth

The Ugandan government, under its “Full Monetisation of Uganda’s Economy” theme for the 2026/27 Financial Year, has significantly boosted funding for wealth creation and key economic sectors. Building on previous investments totalling nearly Shs11 trillion, an additional Shs2.4 trillion has been earmarked for programmes aimed at lifting approximately 15 million people out of subsistence living.

The budget prioritises commercial agriculture, industrialisation, services, digital transformation, and market access. A major focus is Agro-Industrialisation, which receives a record Shs2.2 trillion. This funding will support agricultural research, the commercialisation of products like anti-tick vaccines, irrigation expansion, enhanced extension services, and improved post-harvest handling and storage.

Tourism, a significant foreign exchange earner, is allocated Shs567.3 billion. This will fuel sector development through branding, marketing, infrastructure improvements at tourist sites, hospitality standards enforcement, and wildlife conservation.

In the mineral, oil, and gas sector, Shs473.51 billion is designated for exploration, the Uganda National Mining Company, mineral markets, and the operationalisation of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the oil refinery.

Science, Technology, and Innovation, including ICT and creative industries, will receive over Shs1.1 trillion. This investment aims to commercialise innovations such as Kiira Motors vehicles and Dei BioPharma drugs, establish a Hi-Tech City, and expand digital infrastructure for better internet access and e-commerce.

Other key allocations include Shs10.21 trillion for security, Shs8.79 trillion for transport infrastructure, Shs2.07 trillion for energy, Shs5.23 trillion for health, Shs6.66 trillion for education and sports, and Shs1.03 trillion for manufacturing.

Overall, the budget signifies a strategic push towards economic growth and development, with a substantial Shs13.5 trillion dedicated to direct investments in health, education, social protection, and water and sanitation, underscoring the government’s belief in human capital development.