economy 17 September 2026 Nile Post

World Bank Flags Approval Delays Jeopardizing Shs18 Trillion Projects in Uganda

The World Bank has issued a stark warning that lengthy government approval procedures are significantly endangering the timely completion of numerous projects within Uganda's substantial Shs18.2 trillion development portfolio. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/371452/world-bank-warns-approval-delays-threaten-shs18tn-projects

The World Bank has identified protracted government approval processes as a primary risk to the efficient execution of development projects in Uganda. With an active portfolio valued at approximately Shs18.2 trillion (US$4.6 billion), delays in obtaining necessary approvals are jeopardizing the intended timelines for these critical initiatives.

Qimiao Fan, World Bank Division Director for Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, and Rwanda, highlighted these concerns during a recent meeting with Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance. Fan emphasized that while Uganda possesses an ambitious project pipeline, the efficiency of its approval mechanisms is becoming a significant bottleneck.

The meeting aimed to enhance the implementation of World Bank-funded projects and ensure development financing yields concrete outcomes. Out of the Shs18.2 trillion portfolio, around Shs5.8 trillion has already been disbursed, underscoring the scale of ongoing work.

Fan urged for a reduction in the time taken across various project stages, from preparation and government approvals to negotiations, procurement, and eventual implementation. He also stressed the importance of consistent joint monitoring throughout these phases.

Ministry of Finance officials acknowledged the concerns and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to streamlining project preparation and execution. The goal is to ensure projects are completed within budget and on schedule, ultimately improving the effectiveness of development financing for the benefit of Ugandans.

The discussions encompassed key sectors such as energy access, transport infrastructure, urban development, and public service delivery, aligning with Uganda’s broader economic transformation agenda. The World Bank has pledged continued collaboration with the government to tackle these implementation challenges.