Botswana Finance Chiefs Turn to Uganda for Lessons on Public Investment Management

Public Investment Management in Uganda is attracting growing regional interest as senior officials from Botswana’s Ministry of Finance visit Kampala for a peer learning mission.

The delegation met the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi. Acting Director Budget Hannington Ashaba and officials from the Projects Analysis and Public Investment Department also attended the meeting.

Botswana sent a high-level technical team. It includes Deputy Director Development Budget Edwin Tebangwa, Chief Economist Moemodi Max Sebudubudu, and Principal Economist Dimpho Baleseng. The team wants practical insights into how Uganda identifies, evaluates, and selects public projects. They are also studying how the government manages projects within strict expenditure ceilings.

Uganda has strengthened its project screening process in recent years. Officials now subject major public investments to rigorous technical and financial evaluation before approval. This approach ensures that only viable and high-impact projects enter the national budget.

Dr. Ggoobi stressed the importance of leadership in driving reform. He explained that strong political backing helps institutions enforce discipline in project selection. He also emphasized the need for continuous capacity building within government ministries.

“Our technical teams must understand project appraisal in depth,” Dr. Ggoobi said. “They should also train other ministries so the entire system works effectively.”

The Botswana delegation showed particular interest in Uganda’s Integrated Bank of Projects. This digital system tracks proposed and ongoing government projects. It helps authorities avoid duplication, monitor progress, and control costs. Officials also discussed the role of the Development Committee, which reviews and clears projects before they enter the budget framework.

Uganda has also promoted co-investment with the private sector to reduce pressure on public finances. This strategy allows government to leverage private capital while maintaining oversight and accountability.

The visit highlights growing cooperation among African governments. Countries increasingly share best practices to improve public finance management. By strengthening project appraisal systems, governments can protect public resources and ensure that investments deliver measurable economic and social returns.

Public Investment Management in Uganda continues to serve as a reference point for reform across the region.