Colleagues, retirement is coming—80-year-old Matia Kasaija picks NRM forms to run for MP in what he called his final political lap

Known for his iconic phrase “Colleagues, money is coming,” Finance Minister and Buyanja County MP Matia Kasaija has officially declared that the curtain is drawing on his long and storied political career.

The 80-year-old political veteran revealed his retirement plans after picking nomination forms from the NRM Secretariat to seek re-election for what he confirmed will be his final term.

“I have served my people and my country diligently, but it is time to prepare for the next chapter of my life,” Kasaija said. “After this term, I want to go back to my farm and enjoy some peace and quiet. I think I’ve earned that.”

Born on May 28, 1944, in Kibaale District, Matia Kasaija has been a key figure in Uganda’s political and economic landscape for more than four decades.

A graduate of the University of Nairobi with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1967, Kasaija’s career spans from the pre-Bush War era through the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s rise to power, and into the current political era where he has become one of the longest-serving finance policymakers in Uganda.

His leadership journey began with his election to Parliament in 1980, followed by a dramatic turn in 1981 when he joined the National Resistance Army (NRA) rebel movement, serving in its External Wing during the Bush War.

Since then, Kasaija has held multiple ministerial roles, including State Minister for Labor, Internal Affairs, Planning, and finally, as Minister of Finance since 2015.

Over the years, Kasaija became a household name, not just for his fiscal decisions, but also for his now-viral reassurance: “Colleagues, money is coming.” The phrase became symbolic of both hope and humor during budget speeches, earning him widespread recognition across Uganda.

From overseeing the Departed Asians Property Custodian Board in the late 1980s to navigating Uganda’s modern economic reforms, Kasaija has left a legacy marked by resilience, pragmatism, and political loyalty.

“It has been an honor to serve, but leadership is also about knowing when to step aside and allow the next generation to take over,” he told journalists.

Despite his intention to retire, Kasaija’s final term bid indicates he still has unfinished business. Sources close to the Minister suggest he hopes to stabilize Uganda’s public debt levels and streamline domestic revenue collection before bowing out.

Political analysts view his retirement announcement as the end of an era for a man who has been central to the country’s economic planning for more than a decade.

As the general elections draw near, Buyanja County constituents will once again cast their vote for the man who has walked with them through Uganda’s post-war recovery, financial reforms, and national development programs.

For now, though, Kasaija is focused on completing one last lap in public service. And when it’s all done, the veteran minister hopes to trade in the cabinet briefcase for farming boots. And perhaps, the next time we hear from him, it won’t be “Money is coming,” but rather, “The cows are well-fed.”