President Yoweri Museveni met the World Bank delegation at State Lodge Nakasero, led by Mr. Qimiao Fan, Division Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda, alongside Country Manager Francisca Ayodeji Akala. The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships to support Uganda’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project and national agricultural industrialization efforts.

“Railways, electricity, and affordable financing are key to lowering production costs,” Museveni said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure and economic growth.

Standard Gauge Railway (SGR): Driving Connectivity and Trade

The SGR project is central to Uganda’s vision for regional connectivity and trade expansion. By improving transport infrastructure, Uganda aims to reduce logistics and transportation costs, increase market access for farmers and manufacturers, and facilitate cross-border trade within East Africa.

Analysts say strategic investment in railways will significantly strengthen Uganda’s industrialization agenda and attract foreign direct investment.

Agro-Industrialization: Key to Economic Prosperity

Agro-industrialization in Uganda focuses on turning raw agricultural products into higher-value goods and building industries that support farming, processing, and trade. This approach aims to boost incomes for farmers, create jobs, and strengthen Uganda’s economy.

President Yoweri Museveni highlighted that railways, electricity, and affordable financing are critical enablers of agro-industrialization. By improving transport and infrastructure, farmers can access markets more efficiently, and industries can process agricultural products at lower costs.

World Bank’s Role in Uganda’s Growth

The World Bank’s support reflects a growing commitment to promoting global prosperity and economic development in East Africa. Museveni praised the institution, saying:

“The World Bank are now becoming Christians, by promoting global affluence & prosperity for everyone in the world.”

Public reaction to the meeting has been positive, with many praising the focus on strategic investments, affordable financing, and infrastructure development to strengthen livelihoods across Uganda.