KAMPALA – The Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, disclosed that negotiations between the Government of Uganda and the World Bank Group are nearing completion.
This comes after the international lender had threatened to freeze funding to Uganda in response to the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act. Ggoobi assured that Uganda is actively implementing measures to ensure the smooth execution of projects funded by the World Bank without discrimination.
He specifically highlighted the NUSAF 4 project, stating that it will only proceed to the World Bank Board once effective measures are in place to demonstrate the country’s commitment to implementing projects without discrimination. Ggoobi emphasized ongoing discussions with the World Bank team to address their concerns, noting progress toward the completion of negotiations.
Ggoobi’s comments were in response to inquiries from MPs representing northern Uganda regarding delays in implementing the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF4). He explained that the government is working to enhance project management efficiency to minimize delays in completing public projects. Cabinet approval has been granted for a regular monitoring process of projects funded by foreign loans to ensure timely and successful implementation.
Furthermore, Ggoobi addressed concerns about the Kampala-Jinja expressway, assuring that the construction is poised to commence within six months. He mentioned that key conditions set by bidders, including guarantees, are being finalized in collaboration with the African Development Bank.
In a separate proposal, Ggoobi urged Parliament to reconsider funding Uganda’s health sector instead of allocating resources for the medical treatment of top government officials abroad. He suggested redirecting these funds to strengthen local health institutions, emphasizing the need for a broader conversation on the issue.
Ggoobi did not directly respond to remarks about Lubowa hospital but defended his proposal, emphasizing the potential to enhance local healthcare systems. He encouraged leaders to reconsider the allocation of funds for medical treatment abroad, pointing out that many Ugandans receive quality healthcare domestically.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance, Henry Musasizi, informed MPs that while it may take time for Uganda Airlines to generate profits, there are other benefits, such as reduced airfares. He cited an example of the positive impact on ticket prices from Entebbe to Nairobi, which significantly decreased after Uganda Airlines entered the market.
Musasizi urged viewing the airline as a public service rather than a direct financial investment, emphasizing the broader benefits it brings to the country.
