Finance Minister Henry Musasizi has called for improved performance of World Bank-funded projects in Uganda, citing concerns over the low disbursement rate of funds despite the growing development portfolio between the Government and the World Bank.

Musasizi made the remarks during a meeting with the World Bank Division Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda, Mr. Qimiao Fan, where they discussed key development priorities, implementation challenges and ways to strengthen collaboration between Uganda and the World Bank.

“We deeply appreciate the World Bank’s continued partnership and commitment to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation,” Musasizi said.

The Minister noted that the longstanding partnership has significantly contributed to Uganda’s development through investments in transport, agriculture, energy, education, health, water and sanitation, social protection, governance and institutional development.

According to Musasizi, Uganda’s World Bank-funded portfolio has grown to USD 4.72 billion. However, he expressed concern over the low disbursement performance rate of 32 percent, attributing it to a number of factors on both the Government and World Bank sides.

He emphasized the need for closer collaboration to improve project implementation and ensure better performance. Musasizi also stressed that all World Bank-supported projects should be aligned to the Government’s development priorities under the ATMS and its enablers.

The Minister commended the World Bank team for successfully concluding the Country Partnership Framework, which he described as a shared strategic roadmap for cooperation. The framework is aligned with priorities including enhancing domestic revenue mobilization, investing in productive infrastructure, and promoting value addition and export growth.

Qimiao Fan congratulated Musasizi upon his appointment as Finance Minister and welcomed his vision for Uganda’s development. He noted that the Country Partnership Framework is clearly aligned with Uganda’s tenfold growth strategy.

Addressing the issue of low disbursement, Fan pointed to delayed procurement processes, land acquisition challenges and compensation of project-affected persons as key factors affecting project implementation. He said the Government should focus on addressing these issues to improve disbursement levels.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for General Duties Cissy Mulondo, World Bank Country Manager Fransisca Ayodeji Akala and other World Bank officials.