The World Bank has commenced a joint Implementation Completion and Results Report (ICR) Mission for the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Programme for Results (UGIFT 1.0) and the PIM Plus operation.
The mission, running from 2–15 March 2026, marks a significant milestone in assessing progress and shaping the future of public finance and investment reforms in Uganda.
The ICR Mission for UGIFT 1.0, which officially closed on 31 December 2025, will focus on evaluating the programme’s achievements, outcomes, and lessons learned. The exercise will also include technical discussions aimed at advancing the design of the successor programme, UGIFT 2.0.
At the same time, the mission will review the progress of the PIM Plus operation toward programme effectiveness and agree on key actions to guide continued implementation. PIM Plus is designed to drive improvements in the delivery, efficiency, and quality of public investments.
UGIFT continues to play a central role in strengthening the financing architecture and service delivery systems for social services in Local Governments, particularly in the sectors of education, health, and water. The programme has been instrumental in enhancing fiscal transfers and supporting improved service delivery outcomes across the country.
Speaking at the kick-off meeting of the mission held at the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Kampala on Monday, Acting Director Budget Hannington Ashaba underscored the strategic importance of the two programmes within the broader reform agenda under the Public Finance Management Reform Strategy 2025–2030.
“The two programmes, which form part of the broader reform agenda, are united by a common objective of driving sustained improvements in service delivery,” he said.
Ashaba emphasised the critical role of Local Governments as both beneficiaries and implementers of the reforms.
“I wish to emphasize that Local Governments are the ultimate beneficiaries and implementers of these reforms. Their perspectives, experiences and concerns must continue to be carefully listened to and duly considered,” he said.
On behalf of the World Bank, Barbara Magezi called on Government to reflect on issues discussed regarding the closure action plan for UGIFT 1.0. She noted that all activities initiated under the programme must be completed to ensure full realization of intended results.
Magezi further indicated that the Bank is keen to understand how the budget for Financial Year 2026/27 is structured to sustain the gains achieved under UGIFT 1.0.
Looking ahead, she stated that UGIFT 2.0 will place emphasis on human capital development, with particular focus on job creation and local economic development.
The joint mission presents a key opportunity for stakeholders to take stock of progress made, consolidate reforms, and align future interventions to ensure sustained improvements in public investment management and service delivery across Uganda.