AHF Uganda Cares hosts youth on public debt with a call to enhance transparent accountability

Uganda’s public debt has grown significantly over the past decade, reaching approximately UGX 130 trillion (US$35 billion) in FY 2026/2027 (MoFPED, 2026). Current estimates indicate that debt servicing obligations are projected to rise to approximately UGX 33.18 trillion, placing considerable pressure on the national budget.

According to experts current debt trends continue to reduce fiscal space for other sectors such as healthcare, HIV/AIDS response, education, social protection, youth employment, and epidemic preparedness among others.

The webinar held on 17th June 2026 from 3:00pm-4:30pm was themed “Youth Leading the Call for Debt Justice”

During a webinar on X that attracted various experts, youth representatives, the Country Director AHF Uganda Cares Magala Henry highlighted public debt is increasingly becoming a concern to the youth because it's affects their development yet they are the majority in Uganda.

“78% of Ugandans are below 30 years of age, debt is not just an economic issue but an issue for the development of the youth” he said.

While making his remarks, the Economist frm CSBAG Mr. Pascal Muhangi said that for a developing country like Uganda, there is need to prioritize spending for the borrowed money to tackle high developmental projects with economic value.

“Borrowing is not inherently bad. The real question is whether borrowed resources are generating economic value, creating jobs, and improving the lives of citizens. Debt must work for development” he said

The Speaker, Youth Parliament Rodney Adroni said that “The debt conversation is not just about budget numbers it is about history. If we ignore the legacy of dependency, we treat symptoms instead of causes. But if young people engage critically, we move from silence to informed action and toward economic dignity”

He said that where as debt is inevitable, many young people are not sufficiently informed about public debt, yet they will inherit its consequences, calling for more platforms that empower youth to engage in fiscal and governance discussions. 

Meanwhile The Youth Peer Leader with AHF Uganda Cares Mariam Atheno underscored the critical role youth are playing in demanding for accountability and transparency.

“The voices of young people matter. We have a role to play in demanding accountability, transparency, and policies that prioritize people over debt” she said. 

Adding that “When resources are diverted to debt servicing, young people often feel the impact first through limited opportunities, underfunded schools and fewer investments in youth empowerment”

Uganda’s public debt has grown significantly over the past decade, reaching approximately UGX 130 trillion (US$35 billion) in FY 2026/2027 (MoFPED, 2026). Current estimates indicate that debt servicing obligations are projected to rise to approximately UGX 33.18 trillion, placing considerable pressure on the national budget.