Hon. Judith Nabakoob, Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development has announced that Government had secured $540 million (UGX 2.1 trillion) from the World Bank to support urban transformation across Uganda.
While addressing journalists and the media at the Uganda Media Centre this morning, the Minister noted that the funding, which includes an $80 million grant, will finance the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) Programme, a six-year initiative running from 2026 to 2031.
She stated that the programme will be implemented in 10 cities, 26 municipalities, and 13 refugee-hosting districts, directly benefiting an estimated 5.6 million people, including 1.6 million in refugee-hosting communities.
The Minister explained that the programme is designed to address key urban challenges, including inadequate road infrastructure, flooding, gaps in solid waste management, and limited employment opportunities in urban areas.
She further noted that the programme will deliver improved urban roads and mobility, enhanced drainage systems, strengthened waste management, and better planned and managed urban spaces to support economic activity.
The Minister added that the programme is expected to generate approximately 20,000 permanent jobs, including 5,000 for refugees and host communities, while supporting small businesses and improving household incomes, particularly for youth and women.
Providing context, she highlighted that 27% of Uganda’s population currently resides in urban areas, growing at 5.2% annually, and that urban centres are projected to contribute up to 70% of the country’s GDP.
She emphasized that the programme will also support the decongestion of Kampala by creating economic opportunities in regional cities, while strengthening institutional capacity for urban planning and management.
On the next steps, the Minister indicated that Government will finalize legal agreements with the World Bank, undertake stakeholder sensitisation, and commence procurement processes for infrastructure works.
In closing the minister called on local governments to ensure compliance with all environmental and social safeguards to ensure a smooth rollout of the program.
