As the Ugandan government intensifies preparations to transition into the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), top officials and finance experts have called for a fundamental shift in the management of public resources. At the 4th Public Finance Management (PFM) Conference held at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe, stakeholders emphasized that ensuring financial transparency through digital technology and “real-time audits” is critical for national growth.
The guest of honor, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, stated in her keynote address that effective public finance management remains the heartbeat of the country’s economic transformation. Describing accountants as the “custodians of accountability,” the Prime Minister urged them to ensure that every shilling allocated by the government is utilized for its intended purpose.
“Audit functions must evolve from routine compliance roles to becoming strategic drivers of value,” Nabbanja said. She stressed that embracing digital transformation and proactively identifying emerging financial risks must become central to government institutions. According to the Prime Minister, expanding domestic revenue, establishing an equitable tax system, and ensuring value for money are essential prerequisites for the next phase of national development.
During the conference, CPA Frederick Kibbedi elaborated on the necessity of digital reform. He argued that a modern financial system requires “immutable digital records” and “real-time audits.”
“Audit should no longer be a historical investigation performed once a year; it must be a continuous monitoring process that happens the moment transactions occur,” Kibbedi noted. This approach is expected to reduce “cash opacity” and serve as a robust tool in the fight against corruption.
Additionally, Dr. Michael Kizito, a lecturer at Makerere University, highlighted that achieving interoperability between mobile money systems would significantly boost the digital economy. He noted that such integration is key to scaling merchant payments, reducing transaction costs, and ensuring broader financial inclusion.
Dr. Winnie Nabiddo, Senior Manager for Research and Development at the National Planning Authority, reminded participants that public finance management must go beyond the mere act of budgeting and focus on changing the lives of citizens. “Policy design alone is not enough; without strong implementation and enforcement systems, the desired results will not be achieved,” she warned.
CPA David Timothy Ediomu, President of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), added that meeting the rising demand for public services requires “smarter” revenue strategies and stronger institutional frameworks.
The conference concluded with a shared consensus among policymakers, auditors, and finance professionals. Experts agreed that Uganda’s “Tenfold Growth” vision will only be successful if it is anchored in technology-driven transparency, strengthened accountability, and the effective utilization of public resources.
