The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Henry Musasizi, has urged the World Bank to begin discussions on potential projects and programmes under the bank’s 22nd replenishment of the International Development Association-IDA22, including blended financing to accelerate Uganda’s development.
Musasizi made the call during a meeting with the World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, Dr. Ndiamé Diop, on the sidelines of the ongoing 2026 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund-IMF in Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday.
Minister Musasizi identified several priority projects for possible support, including the proposed 800-megawatt Ayago hydropower dam, the Standard Gauge Railway-SGR along the Kampala–Kasese corridor, irrigation development, private sector growth and urban infrastructure.
The discussions also focused on improving the implementation of World Bank-funded projects, many of which have faced delays arising from lengthy procurement processes, right-of-way acquisition challenges and the commencement of projects before they are adequately studied and ready for implementation.
The meeting further reviewed progress on the Development Policy Operation-DPO, with the parties noting that work on the required prior actions was at an advanced stage of conclusion.
On improving project performance, Minister Musasizi said ongoing procurement reforms, including the introduction of electronic government procurement (eGP), would help reduce delays and shorten procurement timelines. He added that, going forward, projects would not be accepted without undergoing the Public Investment Management System (PIMS) process.
Minister Musasizi commended the World Bank for its continued support and contribution to Uganda’s economic growth and development, in line with the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Dr. Diop, meanwhile, warned that delays in implementing projects in key sectors, including health, education, water, energy and digital transformation, hinder the timely delivery of essential services to citizens.
He also expressed the World Bank’s willingness to support the development of an economic zone along the Standard Gauge Railway corridor, a move expected to strengthen investment and economic activity along the route.
Earlier, Minister Musasizi and his delegation participated in the World Bank Africa Group 1 Constituency’s 32nd meeting, which focused on advancing the jobs and economic transformation agenda, a central pillar of the World Bank Group’s engagement with member countries.
The 22-member constituency discussed strategies for translating economic growth into more and better jobs, with emphasis on five priority sectors: infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and value-added manufacturing.
During the meeting, Musasizi was officially welcomed as Uganda’s new Governor to the Africa Group 1 Constituency.
