Uganda’s Finance Minister Confronted by Disgruntled Professor at Public Event

Uganda’s Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija, was confronted by a disgruntled professor during a public event, leading to a heated exchange that caught the attention of attendees. The incident took place during an economic discussion where Kasaija was addressing key financial matters, including government spending and national debt.

The professor, visibly frustrated, interrupted the minister’s speech to express dissatisfaction with Uganda’s economic policies. He accused the government of mismanaging public funds and questioned the growing national debt. His remarks challenged the effectiveness of the government’s financial strategies, arguing that they were failing to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

As the exchange unfolded, some members of the audience reacted with murmurs of agreement, while others appeared taken aback by the direct confrontation. Kasaija attempted to defend the government’s financial policies, emphasizing that measures were in place to stabilize the economy. He urged patience, stating that long-term strategies were necessary for sustainable growth.

Despite the minister’s response, the professor continued pressing for more accountability, demanding clearer explanations regarding government spending and economic decision-making. The tension escalated to the point where security personnel and event organizers had to intervene to restore order.

Following the confrontation, the incident quickly gained traction on social media, sparking debate among Ugandans. Some praised the professor’s courage in challenging the government on financial matters, while others questioned whether the approach was appropriate for the setting. The exchange underscored the growing concerns among academics and professionals over Uganda’s economic policies, particularly regarding taxation, inflation, and public debt.

Kasaija has been a central figure in Uganda’s financial planning and has previously faced scrutiny over the country’s increasing debt levels. The government has consistently defended its borrowing practices, arguing that they are necessary for infrastructure development and economic growth. However, critics, including economists and opposition figures, have warned about the risks of excessive debt and inefficient resource allocation.

The public confrontation reflects broader frustrations over Uganda’s economic direction, with concerns about unemployment, high living costs, and government accountability becoming more prominent in public discourse. While Kasaija has maintained that the government’s policies are geared toward long-term stability, incidents like this highlight the growing dissatisfaction among certain sectors of society.