After 15 years at the helm of Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, veteran minister Matia Kasaija has officially handed over office, closing a remarkable chapter in public service.
Kasaija handed over to Henry Musasizi, who previously served as Minister of State for General Duties in the same ministry.
“Although I am handing over the office today, I remain available whenever called upon to offer guidance and consultation. As a Member of Parliament, I will continue serving the country and supporting the ministry whenever my experience is needed,” Kasaija said.
“I have really enjoyed working at the Ministry of Finance. We may now be in different situations, but we remain a solid group. If you have something that you think I can help with, I’m available.”
For many years, Kasaija became a familiar and often entertaining figure in Uganda’s public finance discourse, widely known for his confident assurances on the economy and his colourful, unscripted remarks.
His famous phrase, “Colleagues, money will come,” delivered while responding to parliamentary concerns over government cash flow, went viral and became part of Uganda’s political pop culture.
The line later gained even more attention after he jokingly announced, “Colleagues, money has come,” during the presentation of the 2025/26 national budget, accompanied by his trademark croaky laughter.
Beyond the humour, Kasaija was widely regarded as a steady hand at the ministry during periods of economic uncertainty. His successor, Henry Musasizi, praised his leadership and mentorship.
“Your open-door leadership and commitment to mentorship have shaped many of us who serve in this institution today,” Musasizi said.
Kasaija leaves office after a 15-year tenure that blended fiscal policy stewardship with a rare ability to capture public attention through memorable soundbites that defined an era in Uganda’s finance politics.
Even during his handover, he didnt forget his memorable ‘money will come’ saying.
“This economy is moving. We should not accept anybody or anything that will pull it down,” he said.
