Kampala, Uganda – Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) Ramathan Ggoobi appeared on NBS Morning Breeze on November 13, 2025, highlighting inefficiencies in road maintenance budgets and revenue shortfalls, while pledging a forensic audit to ensure accountability.

Ggoobi addressed viewers and stakeholders, critiquing local governments’ use of allocated funds and calling for better tax compliance from Ugandans.

He revealed plans for a forensic audit on the Shs 1 billion per local government for road maintenance, noting ineffective utilization despite budget constraints. On revenue, he admitted a low tax-to-GDP ratio of 14% (below SSA’s 16%), with actual collection at Shs 32 trillion against a revised target of Shs 37 trillion.

During the morning show on November 13, 2025, amid preparations for FY 2025/26 budget implementation.

Broadcast from NBS studios in Kampala, focusing on national fiscal issues.

To address fiscal inefficiencies, promote transparency in road funding (allocated Shs 1 billion per district/municipality), and boost revenue through sensitization against under-declaration, falsification, smuggling, and evasion.

Via a TV interview, Ggoobi stressed strengthening revenue efforts and auditing to curb misuse, aligning with government goals for economic growth.

Ggoobi stated: “Whereas the budget for roads is not enough, the Shs 1 billion sent to each local government is not being used effectively… a forensic audit will be conducted.” On revenue: “We are not collecting enough. We need to strengthen our revenue effort… instead of collecting Shs 43 trillion, we are now collecting Shs 32 trillion, although the target has been raised to Shs 37 trillion.”

He added Ugandans need sensitization on taxes amid evasion practices.

Experts echo calls for audits to enhance accountability in decentralized funding.