On June 16th, 2025, the Protea Hotel in Kampala buzzed with anticipation as Uganda’s private sector, policymakers, economists, and stakeholders converged for the Private Sector Foundation Uganda’s (PSFU) National Post-Budget Dialogue.
Under the theme “Unlocking Investment and Job Creation,” the event provided a platform to dissect the newly announced 2025/2026 national budget, explore its implications, and chart a collaborative path toward Uganda’s ambitious economic goals. With Finance Minister Matia Kasaija projecting a $500 billion economy by 2040, the dialogue underscored the private sector’s pivotal role in turning this vision into reality.
The dialogue opened with a bold statement from Minister Kasaija, who outlined the government’s long-term vision to transform Uganda into a $500 billion economy by 2040.
This ambitious target hinges on sustained economic growth, strategic investments, and a robust partnership between the government and the private sector. Kasaija emphasized the need for policies that prioritize job creation, infrastructure development, and a conducive business environment to drive this transformation.
The private sector, represented by Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), echoed this optimism but called for unwavering government commitment to its stated priorities. Stakeholders urged policymakers to streamline regulations, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and enhance access to affordable financing to unlock opportunities for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The dialogue highlighted the private sector’s impressive track record, with Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) noting an 85% success rate in integrating its proposals into the national budget, a testament to its growing influence in shaping Uganda’s economic policies.
A key focus of the dialogue was the 2025/2026 budget’s implications for international trade, investment, and job creation. Participants analyzed how the budget’s fiscal policies could foster an enabling environment for businesses while addressing challenges such as high borrowing costs and limited market access.
The discussions emphasized the importance of aligning budget allocations with Uganda’s second National Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
The dialogue also spotlighted the need to empower underrepresented groups, such as youth and women entrepreneurs. A notable highlight was the World Bank’s perspective, delivered by representative Cavicchi, who described investing in women as both “smart and right.”
This resonated with attendees, who recognized the untapped potential of inclusive economic policies to drive growth and create equitable opportunities.
The event was not just about high-level policy discussions, it was a platform for real-world insights. CEOs, economists, and policy experts shared practical takeaways on how the private sector could leverage the budget to scale operations and create jobs.
For instance, Vincent Okema, an attendee, shared key takeaways on LinkedIn, emphasizing the dialogue’s focus on “unlocking Uganda’s economic potential” through strategic partnerships and innovation.
Similarly, posts on X from some of the attendees highlighted the vibrant exchange of ideas among business leaders. These discussions unpacked the budget’s growth-oriented measures, offering a glimpse into how Uganda’s private sector is aligning its strategies with national goals.
While optimism permeated the dialogue, participants didn’t shy away from addressing challenges. The private sector called for greater transparency in budget implementation and stronger measures to combat corruption, which continues to hinder business growth.
High energy costs and inadequate infrastructure were also flagged as barriers that the government must address to attract foreign investment and support local enterprises.
On the opportunity front, the dialogue showcased success stories like GTRADES, a private-sector arm of the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Center for Governance and Economic Development (CEGED).
Founded in 2018, GTRADES has capitalized on market demand to drive economic impact, demonstrating the potential of innovative business models to complement government efforts.
The National Post-Budget Dialogue was more than a discussion, the event was a call to action. The private sector urged the government to maintain focus on its economic priorities while fostering an environment where businesses can thrive.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), youth, and women entrepreneurs were identified as critical drivers of growth, with stakeholders advocating for targeted support to unlock their potential.
As the event concluded, a clear message emerged; achieving a $500 billion economy by 2040 requires collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
The private sector, armed with an 85% success rate in influencing policy, is ready to lead the charge, but it needs a committed partner in the government to make this vision a reality.
The National Post-Budget Dialogue has set the stage for a dynamic partnership between Uganda’s private sector and the government. With the 2025/2026 budget as a roadmap, stakeholders are optimistic about the opportunities ahead, from job creation to global trade.
By addressing challenges and leveraging inclusive policies, Uganda is poised to unlock its economic potential and take bold steps toward a prosperous future.
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