We Need Stronger Coordination For Effective Budget Execution - Musasizi
Closing the annual meeting of Heads of Planning, Accounts and Procurement Units today at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Finance Minister Henry Musasizi called for stronger coordination among the three functions to improve Government planning, budgeting, implementation, reporting, accountability and service delivery.
Musasizi noted that Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy which seeks to build a USD 500 billion economy by 2040 requires disciplined budget execution, stronger domestic revenue mobilisation, implementation of the presidential wealth creation agenda, prudent oil governance and adherence to the budget discipline and accountability charter.
The Minister emphasised the need to shift from expenditure-driven budgeting to a results-focused approach where success is measured by the tangible value delivered to citizens.
He urged Planners, Accountants and Procurement Officers to work as one team with integrity to support delivery of ATMS and Enablers.
Musasizi also called for professionalisation, standardisation and regulation of planning and procurement, alongside stronger budget controls, supervision and monitoring with focus on delivering tangible results for Ugandans.
Earlier, the Acting Director Budget, Hannington Ashaba described Planning, Accounts and Procurement as the “triad” and engine room of effective budget execution.
He called for realistic, evidence-based planning, timely and value-for-money procurement, financial discipline, effective cash-flow management and timely payments.
He urged the three Units to break silos and align their work with NDP IV and the Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Participants highlighted challenges including; weak coordination, inadequate budgets, procurement delays, poor cash-flow management, irregular finance committee meetings, diversion of funds, incorrect asset classification and inadequate asset maintenance.
A key takeaway was the need for integrated government planning, cascading from the grassroots to Cabinet and Parliament, with departments working together to consolidate plans, strengthen alignment and fast-track implementation.
