Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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- 590
PSST, Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi
In a move aimed at rationalizing public expenditure, Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has announced that the government will stop funding large public celebrations for secular holidays starting in the 2026/27 financial year.
Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi revealed the policy shift, stating that public funds will no longer support events such as International Women’s Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, and similar observances. Funding will be limited to a select few religious functions.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will continue to address the nation on key holidays but will do so via radio and television broadcasts from State House, rather than through costly public gatherings.
The savings generated from this measure will be redirected toward priority government programs, particularly those under the ATMS agenda (Agro-industrialization, Tourism, Minerals, and Science) and other key enablers