It’s that time of year again – budget season in East Africa! Finance ministers across the East African Community (EAC) put on their best suits, cleared their throats, and stood before parliament to read out their national budgets for 2025/26. From Kampala to Kigali, Dar es Salaam to Nairobi, the air was filled with numbers, promises, and just a dash of political spice.
Let’s dive into what our favorite finance ministers had to say – in plain English, with a little humor, and a lot of East African flavor!
Uganda:
Uganda’s Finance Minister was on a roll! In front of Parliament, he delivered a UGX 72.1 trillion ($18.9 billion) budget with confidence and a wide smile. But what really caught people’s attention were three things: more taxes, a big tech push, and an unexpected nod to boda-bodas and tuk-tuks.
Main focus?
- Infrastructure, security, education, and ICT.
- Special love was shown to the youth, with new projects aimed at job creation.
- Uganda is also betting big on oil – with production expected to start soon, the country is getting ready for the oil boom.
But wait… taxes?
Yes. Uganda plans to increase tax collections, especially by going after digital platforms. If you thought your online hustle would escape the taxman – think again. Even small businesses selling on social media are being watched now!
The budget also promised no increase in fuel tax – a sigh of relief for drivers – but let’s see if pump prices listen.
Rwanda:
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa today unveiled the budget proposal of Frw 7,032.5 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/2026. The proposed budget is 21% higher than the Frw 5,816.4 billion approved in the 2024/25 revised budget.
The increase in spending indicates Government’s commitment to investing in strategic projects such as the New Kigali International Airport. It also underscores Government’s willingness to fund key development priorities such as boosting agricultural productivity, expanding electricity access, improving access to clean water and sanitation, strengthening the transport system, and upgrading education and healthcare, among other key sectors.
Here’s what stood out
- Heavy investment in education, health, and technology.
- Smart farming gets a boost, with support for irrigation and modern agriculture tools.
- Support for Made-in-Rwanda industries is stronger than ever.
Funny moment?
Someone joked online that Rwanda’s budget looks like a Silicon Valley startup plan – all tech, innovation, and no drama. But hey, if it works, why not?
Rwanda also emphasized environmental protection. One budget line literally read: “climate resilience and green economy” – we’re not sure what it costs, but it sounds super fancy.
Kenya
Kenya’s budget was as dramatic as a Nairobi telenovela. Finance Minister Njuguna Ndung’u unveiled a KSh 4.2 trillion ($32 billion) budget amid loud political debates and protests outside Parliament.
Hot budget items:
- The controversial “Hustler Fund” got more money to support small businesses.
- Health insurance is getting a major facelift.
- Big spending on roads and railways continues.
Funny but true?
Social media exploded when Kenyans saw a new “motor vehicle circulation tax” (yes, you pay just for owning a car). People joked that soon you might be taxed for breathing in Nairobi!
Kenya’s debt is high, and the minister admitted they need to cut back on borrowing. So, in short: tighten your belt, Kenyans.
Tanzania
In Dodoma, Tanzania’s budget had a delicious twist – literally. A big focus was placed on food security and agriculture. The government wants to boost farming, build storage centers, and make sure no Tanzanian goes hungry.
Budget Size: TZS 49.3 trillion ($19 billion)
- Agriculture modernization
- Rural roads and electricity
- Local manufacturing
Tanzanians were happy to hear that cooking gas will be more affordable. After all, no one likes chopping firewood at 6am.
Burundi
Burundi may be the smallest economy in the EAC, but it came prepared. The country announced a BIF 3.9 trillion ($1.4 billion) budget. Focus? Economic recovery and attracting investment.
Highlights
- Promoting entrepreneurship, especially among youth and women
- Boosting local production of food and clothes
- Improving transport and internet access
Burundi might not be making big headlines yet, but their quiet steps are getting noticed.
South Sudan
South Sudan is still finding its financial feet, and their budget for 2025/26 remains modest. The country is facing inflation and instability, so much of the budget focuses on basic needs: salaries, security, and rebuilding public services.
Fun fact
One MP reportedly asked if they could get solar panels instead of power lines “because at least the sun is free.” That’s East African innovation right there.
EAC Regional Priorities: United by Numbers
Even with different priorities, EAC countries have a few things in common in their 2025/26 budgets:
- Youth Employment: Everyone wants to reduce youth unemployment and support small businesses.
- Digital Economy: From Rwanda to Uganda, the future is online. More investment is going into tech, e-governance, and digital learning.
- Infrastructure: Roads, energy, water – it’s still a big chunk of every budget.
- Tax Reforms: Everyone wants more tax revenue without making people too angry. Not an easy balance!
In the end, each EAC country added its own flavor to the budget dish. Uganda served a big portion with spicy oil and taxes. Rwanda kept it healthy and tech-savvy. Kenya added drama, Tanzania went traditional, Burundi played it safe, and South Sudan just wants peace and power.
As the financial year begins, East Africans are watching closely – hoping that these promises turn into real progress. Whether it’s through smartphones, smart farms, or smart taxes, the journey continues.
Let’s just hope next year’s budgets come with less tax… and maybe a few jokes from the finance ministers themselves!