Kampala, Uganda – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, received credentials of Mr. Themba Bhebhe, the newly appointed Country Manager of the African Development Bank. The meeting marked an important milestone in reaffirming the strong and steadily growing partnership between Uganda and the World Bank, as both parties continue to work toward shared development objectives.
During the engagement, the Minister underscored the critical role of strategic collaboration in advancing Uganda’s national transformation agenda. He emphasised that while the country has a well-defined vision for economic growth, industrialisation, and structural transformation, the realisation of these ambitions depends heavily on effective partnerships. Such partnerships, he noted, must go beyond policy alignment to ensure practical implementation translating national priorities into concrete actions and measurable improvements in the livelihoods of citizens.
The discussions highlighted several key priority sectors that remain central to Uganda’s development trajectory. These included infrastructure development particularly in transport, energy and urban systems as a foundation for economic expansion and regional integration. Agricultural modernisation was also emphasised as a vital pillar for enhancing productivity, ensuring food security, and increasing household incomes, especially in rural communities. In addition, both parties stressed the growing importance of climate resilience, recognising the need for sustainable interventions that mitigate environmental risks while promoting green growth. Socio-economic empowerment, particularly for youth and women, was also identified as essential for fostering inclusive and equitable development.
As shareholders in the African Development Bank, both Uganda and the institution acknowledged their shared responsibility to deliver impactful and sustainable development results. The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining open dialogue, transparency, and continuous engagement to ensure that development programs are responsive to national priorities and capable of delivering long-term value.
Hon. Odongo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the AfDB through a partnership grounded in mutual respect, accountability, and shared goals. Mr. Bhebhe, in turn, expressed his readiness to support Uganda’s development aspirations and to build on the Bank’s existing portfolio in the country. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing optimism about accelerating transformative projects that will contribute meaningfully to national and regional development, while improving the quality of life for all Ugandans.
Photo Credit: Dennis Mulima
