Uganda: Fiscal Transparency Evaluation

IMF Staff Country Reports, May 25, 2017

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This paper evaluates the status of fiscal transparency in Uganda, where some key elements of fiscal transparency are in place.
These have been augmented in recent years through a number of reforms.
The Public Finance Management Act 2015 specifies the budget calendar, the main contents of budget documents, and the roles of the legislature and the executive in the budget process.
There are some problems with the coverage, quality, and reliability of some information.
Improving fiscal transparency will give the government a better understanding of the fiscal position and its exposure to fiscal risks, which will support effective fiscal and budget management in the face of these challenges.

Some key elements of fiscal transparency are in place in Uganda.
Recent reforms have augmented fiscal transparency.
The Public Finance Management Act 2015 provides statutory specification of:
- the budget calendar;
- the main contents of budget documents;
- the roles of the legislature and the executive in the budget process.
Problems remain with the coverage, quality, and reliability of some fiscal information.
Strengthened fiscal transparency is expected to improve government understanding of:
- the fiscal position;
- exposure to fiscal risks;
- support for effective fiscal and budget management.

Continue reforms to address gaps in coverage, quality, and reliability of fiscal information.
Use enhanced transparency to better identify and manage fiscal risks.
Strengthen budget documentation and the application of the Public Finance Management Act 2015 to improve budget process clarity between the legislature and the executive.