Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to a policy-driven development pathway following high-level discussions with a World Bank delegation focused on strengthening long-term economic transformation. The meeting, held at State Lodge Nakasero, brought together senior government officials and World Bank representatives to align on priority investments anchored in Uganda’s national development frameworks.
Central to the discussions was the World Bank’s proposed support for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a flagship infrastructure project identified as critical to enhancing regional integration, lowering the cost of logistics, and improving trade competitiveness. President Museveni welcomed the Bank’s readiness to provide both financing and technical support in structuring sustainable funding mechanisms, noting that efficient transport systems remain a cornerstone of Uganda’s industrialisation strategy.
The President emphasised the importance of targeted investments that directly reduce the cost of production, highlighting affordable energy, accessible financing, and integrated transport networks as key enablers of private sector growth. He underscored a coordinated multimodal transport approach, where rail and water transport systems handle bulk cargo, while road infrastructure is optimised for passengers and light freight, an approach consistent with broader regional connectivity objectives.
In line with Uganda’s policy focus on agro-industrialisation, President Museveni expressed strong support for the World Bank’s proposed interventions in agriculture, particularly in value addition and agro-processing. He noted that transitioning from raw material production to processed exports is essential for job creation, increased productivity, and enhanced export earnings. This shift aligns with Uganda’s strategic emphasis on moving up the value chain to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth. The President further highlighted the need for capacity building across sectors, including reorienting education and skills development systems to support industrial and agricultural transformation. Strengthening human capital, he noted, remains integral to ensuring that investments translate into tangible socio-economic outcomes.
The World Bank delegation commended Uganda’s continued macroeconomic stability and reform efforts, reaffirming its commitment to supporting key sectors such as energy, transport, and agribusiness. Planned interventions include financing infrastructure projects, expanding access to affordable energy, and supporting skills development initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity in agriculture and related industries. The engagement reflects a shared commitment to advancing Uganda’s development agenda through strategic partnerships that prioritise sustainability, resilience, and broad-based prosperity.
Photo Credit: Presidential Press Unit
