Uganda’s 2025/2026 budget has left Gen Z feeling overlooked. Although the approved Shs72.3 trillion national budget aims for stability, young people believe it fails to invest in their future. Many expected meaningful allocations for employment, innovation, agriculture, and sustainability.
“I followed the process from the Budget Framework Paper to final approval,” said economist Taaka Proscovia Mugeni. “Yet, Uganda’s 2025/2026 budget is almost identical in size to last year’s.” This, in her view, signals a preference for fiscal predictability. However, it does not address the pressing needs of the youth.
More than 75% of Uganda’s population is under 30. Therefore, Gen Z expected a budget that directly responds to their challenges. They argue that the time for lip service is over. Instead, they demand specific policies and funding aligned with their skills and potential.
According to Ms Mugeni, the government should focus on creating jobs and developing skills. Notably, she highlights key sectors with high potential: agro-industrialisation, tourism, science and technology, and the green economy. These areas, she explains, are scalable and suitable for young people—if backed by serious funding.
Furthermore, many feel the government’s implementation doesn’t match its promises. For example, teacher Ceaser Ocan points to the fruit factory development in eastern Uganda as a good initiative. However, he notes that northern Uganda, where young farmers grow cassava, lacks similar support. As a result, those youth are left behind.
Ocan acknowledges the introduction of tax exemptions for new businesses. Nevertheless, he criticizes the limited financing for young farmers, especially those working at a small scale. He explains that schemes like the Parish Development Model (PDM) favor large commercial players. Meanwhile, most Gen Z farmers struggle with poor infrastructure and erratic weather.
Ms Penninah Kawuma, a researcher at the International Livestock Research Institute, expresses disappointment. She expected deeper investment in agritech and value addition, especially given agriculture’s importance. In fact, it employs 64% of Ugandans and contributes 24% of GDP. Despite its critical role, agriculture received less attention than hoped. As a result, youth feel sidelined. According to Ms Kawuma, young agriculturalists need tools, training, and access to markets—not vague mentions in speeches.
Meanwhile, environmental activist Phiona Boonabaana appreciates that the budget references climate policy. Still, she warns that it falls short. “The budget leans heavily on mining and infrastructure,” she explains. “However, it lacks serious investment in green innovation.” She argues that without this investment, Uganda risks more climate-related disasters. For instance, inadequate conservation funding will likely worsen floods, droughts, and food insecurity. Ultimately, true development must protect both the economy and the environment.
On the technology front, Mr Micheal Ntege highlights the Shs381.08 billion allocated to science and technology. In his opinion, this offers a promising opportunity for e-commerce and digital skills development. Ms Mugeni agrees that it’s a step forward. However, she insists that Uganda must do more to support young innovators. Across the country, youth are creating fintech platforms, health tech solutions, and smart farming systems. Yet, most of these projects stall due to lack of funding.
She cites a recent success: AgriKbot, a robot created by Ugandan youth for smart farming, gained global recognition at the Huawei ICT Competition. Despite that, it received little to no local support. Clearly, without adequate funding and incubators, such innovations rarely survive.
To address this gap, Ms Mugeni calls for bold action. She proposes scaling up government-funded innovation grants, building district-level incubators, and incentivizing private investment in tech startups. Moreover, she emphasizes the need for coordination among ministries to prevent fragmented efforts.
Gen Z leaders are united in one message: Uganda must move from words to action. Mr Ocan says it plainly: “There has to be less talking and more doing.” This generation isn’t asking for handouts. Instead, they want access, opportunity, and support. If the government listens, Uganda’s 2025/2026 budget could become a turning point.
To create real impact, the government must increase youth-led innovation funding, support value chains in agriculture, invest in green infrastructure, expand digital training programs, and promote equitable regional development. Uganda’s young people are already building the future. Now, they are asking the government to budget for it.
