President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has blamed the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for under collecting taxes, saying it’s the reason the country has continued relying on borrowing.

While virtually addressing Parliament during a special session held at Kololo Independence Grounds, shortly after the 2023–2024 National Budget had been presented by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, the President emphasized the need for URA to expand tax collection.

The president said that, the URA tax GDP ratio of 13 percent is not serious, unlike the one in Europe that stands at 39.7 percent.

“Out of the 52 trillion budget, about 17 trillion shillings shall be used to pay debts. We should borrow less or not borrow at all; with discipline, we do not have to borrow at all,” said President Museevni.

He said that, a total of 39 percent of Uganda’s households are outside the money economy, describing them as spectators instead of players in money-making.

According to the President, Uganda’s economy has for long been dependent on raw materials, until recently when he engaged in production.

“No playing games, Uganda is unstoppable, we must work hard, our people must join the money economy using government programs,” President Museveni said.

The president guided those with small pieces of land to consider engaging in zero grazing, poultry, feed processing, mini factories, manure production, and gas production, among others.

While delivering the budget speech, Finance Minister Kasaija said Emyooga and Parish Development Model programs are the only means to elevate Ugandans from poverty.

In his speech, government will also prioritize widening tax base in the next financial year in a move to raise of revenue and reduce on borrowing.