In an effort to strengthen budget coverage in Uganda, the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) has partnered with the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) to deepen journalists’ understanding of the national budget and related issues.
This collaboration, spearheaded by CSBAG, involves a series of periodical sessions known as Budget Technical Talks, where experts will discuss various aspects of the national budget process and its implementation in detail. The first session was held on March 5th, 2025, in Kampala, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a fruitful initiative.
During her opening remarks at the inaugural session on “Uganda’s Debt and Its Implications,” CSBAG’s Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Carol Namagembe, emphasized the importance of this partnership and the value of the training sessions to be held in the future.
“By sharing expert knowledge through these sessions, we aim to better equip journalists and sustain quality reporting on budget matters,” Ms. Namagembe said, underlining the role of informed journalism in enhancing public understanding of national budget issues.
CSBAG’s Executive Director, Mr. Julius Mukunda, who delivered the main presentation, further elaborated on the significance of the collaboration. He noted that such initiatives would help UPPA members expand their knowledge and foster greater interest in budget-related topics, ultimately leading to more accurate and insightful stories.
“We look forward to more engagements with journalists to ensure budget issues are better understood and communicated to the public in a way that promotes greater appreciation,” said Mr. Mukunda.
The opening session saw participation from over 30 journalists, representing a variety of media platforms, including TV, radio, print, and online outlets.
UPPA President Mr. Samuel Ibanda Mugabi praised CSBAG for leading this crucial initiative, which allows journalists to stay up-to-date with both local and global budget trends. The importance of ongoing information sharing was also emphasized by UPPA Secretary General Mr. Arthur Arnold Wadero, who supported the collaboration and its potential to foster better-informed media coverage.
Through this partnership, both CSBAG and UPPA aim to ensure that budgetary matters are reported on with accuracy, depth, and relevance, helping the public stay informed on the nation’s financial landscape.
