Outgoing veteran Finance Minister Matia Kasaija has urged officials at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to safeguard Uganda’s economic gains and remain focused on sustaining growth as he handed over office to his successor, Henry Musasizi.
Speaking during a handover ceremony in Kampala on Friday, Kasaija said Uganda’s economy was on a positive trajectory and cautioned against actions that could undermine progress achieved over the years.
“The economy is moving forward and we should not accept anybody or anything that will start pulling us down. We are progressing, and at the end of the day our generation will be remembered for the contribution we made to this country,” Kasaija said.
He thanked the ministry’s political and technical leadership for their support during his tenure and urged them to continue serving the country with dedication.
Musasizi paid tribute to Kasaija, describing him as an honest and dependable leader who earned the trust of both Parliament and the public.
“I have worked closely with Kasaija since 2011 when I joined Parliament. I found him to be a man with a good heart and a man who is sincere. He would never mislead Parliament, even when faced with difficult situations,” Musasizi said.
He credited Kasaija with strengthening the Finance Ministry into one of the government’s most effective institutions and pledged to continue implementing policies aimed at expanding economic growth.
“We have a common responsibility of continuing to grow this economy. No one can achieve this alone. We must continue working together as a team,” Musasizi said.
State Minister for Planning Amos Lugoloobi called for increased investment in physical planning, saying it was essential for managing Uganda’s rapid urbanisation, industrialisation and population growth.
“Failure to plan is planning to fail. We need resources for physical planning so that our growth remains organised and sustainable,” Lugoloobi said.
He also urged Uganda to maximise opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by strengthening regional integration and expanding access to export markets.
“We should not be spectators in the continental market. When we produce, we must have markets where we can sell our goods and services,” he said.
State Minister for General Duties Cissy Mulondo praised Kasaija for his contribution to Uganda’s economic development and pledged to support the ministry’s agenda under the new leadership.
“You have taken this country to another level economically. Thank you for the service you have rendered to Uganda,” Mulondo said.
She said she was committed to learning from colleagues and working closely with both political and technical leaders in the ministry.
“I am ready to learn. I am a good listener and communicator. I thank the President for entrusting me with this responsibility and I look forward to serving alongside my colleagues,” she said.
The handover marks the beginning of a new leadership team at the Finance Ministry, with officials pledging continuity in policies aimed at sustaining economic growth, creating jobs and deepening regional integration.