Africa-Press – Uganda. The Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, has urged Ugandans to fulfil their tax obligations, warning that the country can no longer rely on external borrowing to fund its development agenda.
Speaking at the launch of Budget Month at the Uganda Media Centre, Kasaija expressed frustration over the widespread tax evasion among Ugandans, saying the government is now under pressure to fund its operations primarily through domestic revenue.
“I am tired of borrowing to fund the country’s development. People don’t want to pay taxes—but why?” the minister lamented.
“All eligible Ugandans who are supposed to pay taxes, please pay your taxes. Because you need good roads, education, hospitals, and other services.”
The Ministry of Finance has prepared a national budget totaling Shs72 trillion for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Out of this, Shs37.2 trillion is expected to be raised from domestic revenue—mainly through taxes collected from individuals and businesses.
However, Kasaija noted that meeting this target will be a challenge due to the increasing unwillingness of citizens to comply with tax obligations.
“Business people, traders, and others, please pay your taxes as you are supposed to,” he urged.
“When you don’t pay taxes, I end up borrowing—which I don’t want.”
Kasaija disclosed that Uganda’s public debt currently stands at Shs98 trillion, with loans owed to entities such as the World Bank, the Chinese government, and local lenders.
He warned that many of these lenders are now reluctant to extend further credit, making domestic revenue the only sustainable source for financing development.
Policy analysts, however, say that appeals alone are not enough. According to Kittengo Aloysius, the Financing for Development Coordinator at SEATINI (Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiations Institute), Ugandans are more willing to pay taxes when they see tangible results from their contributions.
“People love to pay taxes, but they want to see value for their money,” Kittengo said. He emphasized that the government must start demonstrating how tax revenues are being utilized if it hopes to improve compliance.
The Ministry of Finance has committed to intensifying public engagement on the national budget throughout the month.
A series of awareness campaigns and activities have been planned under the Budget Month initiative, aimed at increasing transparency and educating citizens on how the 2025/2026 budget will be implemented.
The Ministry hopes that through enhanced communication and civic engagement, more Ugandans will appreciate the importance of paying taxes and actively contribute to national development.
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