The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Dr Ramathan Ggoobi, has held high-level discussions in London with the Chief Executive Officer of UK Export Finance (UKEF), Tim Reid, focusing on speeding up the rollout of infrastructure projects financed by the United Kingdom in Uganda.
The meeting took place at HM Treasury and centered on improving the pace of implementation of UKEF-supported development projects, with emphasis on strengthening execution frameworks and removing bottlenecks that have slowed progress.
UK Export Finance is the United Kingdom’s official export credit agency, providing government-backed guarantees, insurance, and loans to support international trade and infrastructure development.
A key issue discussed was the need to fast-track the procurement of a contractor for the Kitgum–Kidepo road project.
The road, financed under UKEF support, is expected to enhance regional connectivity, improve trade links with South Sudan and Kenya, and boost tourism access to Kidepo Valley National Park.
Dr Ggoobi underscored the urgency of advancing the project, noting that all necessary preparatory steps must be completed ahead of implementation timelines.
“All the necessary steps must be taken before June 2026 to pave way for the implementation of this project,” Ggoobi said.
Beyond the Kitgum–Kidepo road, the discussions also reviewed a range of ongoing and planned UKEF-backed infrastructure initiatives in Uganda.
These include the Kampala Industrial and Business Park, Kabaale International Airport, and agricultural modernisation projects aimed at boosting productivity and value addition.
The Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation and Bridges Upgrading Project was also highlighted as one of the priority areas under consideration for additional UKEF financing support.
Both sides further explored broader engagement with UKEF and export credit partner banks such as Standard Chartered and Citibank, with the aim of strengthening financing structures and improving delivery efficiency for Uganda’s development agenda.
The talks come at a time when Uganda is prioritising infrastructure-led growth as a driver of industrialisation, regional trade expansion, and job creation.
On the global economic outlook, Dr Ggoobi noted that Uganda has remained relatively resilient despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, including developments in the Middle East.
He reaffirmed government’s focus on strengthening economic resilience, wealth creation, and sustained growth.
He was accompanied by Uganda’s High Commissioner in London, Nimisha Madhvani, the Director of Economic Affairs, Moses Kaggwa, and the Director for Debt and Cash Policy, Maris Wanyera.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both Uganda and UK Export Finance to deepen cooperation and ensure timely and efficient delivery of strategic infrastructure projects seen as critical to Uganda’s long-term development.
