The local traders in Kampala markets have appealed to the government to cut its expenditure and allocate more resources to key sectors of the country’s economy, such as road infrastructure, education, and health.
According to Moses Kayiira, a trader at the market for persons with disabilities in Kampala along Namirembe Road, nowadays some people are less interested in paying attention to the reading of the National Budget because they have lost hope in it.
“Now, every time the Budget is read, we hear just increments of taxes on most consumable products such as alcohol, and sugar, among others. How would you expect me to listen to something that bothers me more? The President should instead downsize the district security structures where people are fond of playing the same roles,” Kayiira said.
Kayiira made the remarks during an interview with Nexus Media on Friday, June 12th, 2026, while at the market.
He added that President Museveni should downsize such structures and focus on building a sustainable economy.
Contrary to Kayiira’s reaction, Kato Mayanja, the Chairperson of Container Village Traders dealing in farm and agricultural produce in Kampala, commended the Budget framers for allocating UGX 2.26 trillion on agro-industrialisation, which he believes will help revamp the agricultural sector.
“I call upon Ugandans who want to engage in agriculture to organise themselves and secure agricultural loans from the local governments. Some farmers have been missing opportunities because they lack such information. I am among those responsible for distributing agricultural products to the farmers. I ensure that every farmer who serves my service is cared for,” Mayanja said.
Uganda’s national budget for the current financial year is UGX 84.39 trillion, and is aimed at accelerating economic growth and starting the country’s oil production. The spending plan focuses heavily on infrastructure, boosting household incomes, and industrialisation. The budget is also themed around shifting more Ugandans into the commercial economy, commercialising agriculture, and leveraging the start of local oil and gas production.
