Business 28 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
81.3% of Donor-Funded Projects in Uganda Lag Behind Schedule
A Ministry of Finance report reveals that 81.3% of externally funded projects are delayed, with only 11.9% on track or completed, due to poor planning, procurement delays, and funding shortfalls. While some progress is noted, systemic issues continue to hinder development goals. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/finance/81-3-of-externally-funded-projects-are-behind-schedule--5439758
Uganda’s externally funded development projects are grappling with significant delays, as highlighted in a recent Ministry of Finance report. Out of all such initiatives, a staggering 81.3% are behind schedule, while just 11.9% are either completed or progressing on time.
The Mineral Development Programme emerged as the standout, achieving full completion of its single project. In contrast, the Human Capital Development Programme managed to finish three out of 12 projects, and the Digital Transformation Programme kept one of its two projects on track. The Natural Resources, Environment, Climate Change, and Land and Water Management Programme suffered the most, with all 10 projects delayed.
Among the 48 delayed projects, 14.6% were completely stagnated—down from 18% previously—while 77% showed minimal advancement. The Integrated Transport Infrastructure Programme was responsible for nearly 43% of stagnated efforts, an improvement from 60% earlier.
Key factors driving these delays include slow procurement, challenges in securing land rights-of-way, weak contract oversight, inadequate planning, and insufficient counterpart funding. Non-disbursement of external funds has also curtailed expected outcomes.
Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, acknowledged slight gains, such as more completions and momentum in stalled projects. He urged accounting officers to tackle bottlenecks to boost performance and secure future contracts.
Spotlight on specific programmes reveals mixed results. The Agriculture Value Chain Development Programme, active in 40 districts to boost incomes, food security, and climate resilience, hit 78% physical progress by November 2025 (up from 72%), with 79.3% financial utilisation totalling Shs259.115 billion. The Digital Transformation Programme, including the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project and National Backbone Infrastructure Phase V, reached 14% progress and absorbed 51% of $66.32 million disbursed.
To turn things around, the report calls for accelerating procurement, prioritising land funding, enhancing contract management, and mobilising more local funds.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)