President Museveni has held talks with a delegation from the World Bank focusing on infrastructure development, agricultural industrialisation, and access to affordable financing.
The delegation, led by Qimiao Fan, met the President at State Lodge Nakasero alongside senior government officials, including Finance Minister Matia Kasaija.
At the meeting, Museveni welcomed the World Bank’s commitment to support Uganda’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), describing the project as critical to lowering transport costs and improving regional connectivity.
He said government priorities remain focused on reducing the cost of doing business through investment in efficient transport systems, affordable electricity, and access to low-cost financing.
“The railway should handle heavy cargo, alongside water transport, while roads are reserved for passengers and light cargo,” Museveni said.
The President also backed the World Bank’s proposed support toward agricultural industrialisation and agro-processing, stressing the need to shift from raw material production to value addition.
He noted that improving skills and training in agribusiness would boost productivity, create jobs, and expand Uganda’s export base.
Qimiao Fan commended Uganda’s macroeconomic stability and growth trajectory, reaffirming the World Bank’s readiness to finance key infrastructure projects, including the SGR.
He said the Bank would also prioritise investments in energy and transport, describing the sectors as central to sustainable development.
The World Bank further pledged support for agribusiness development through training and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening value addition across the agriculture sector.
