Museveni Welcomes World Bank Support for Uganda’s Standard Gauge Railway

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday met with a delegation from the World Bank led by Mr. Qimiao Fan, Division Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda. He was accompanied by the World Bank Country Manager for Uganda, Ms. Francisca Ayodeji Akala, and Ms. Tonderai Fadzai Mukonoweshuro, the Senior Operations Officer at the World Bank in Zimbabwe.

The meeting, which took place at State Lodge, was also attended by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija; Ms. Maris Wanyera, Acting Director of Debt and Cash Policy at the Ministry of Finance; the Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka; and the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi.

During the meeting, President Museveni welcomed the World Bank’s decision to support the development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), both through financing and by assisting in structuring sustainable funding mechanisms for the project.

“These are the funds I want. I want funds for capacity building and to provide the basics for production at lower costs,” he said.

President Museveni further noted that the railway is a crucial component in reducing the cost of transportation and enhancing regional connectivity.

“That’s why we are saying the railway should be for heavy cargo, the pipeline for petroleum products. The railway and water transport will handle cargo, whereas roads will remain for passengers and light cargo,” he added.

He highlighted affordable electricity, access to low-cost financing, and efficient transport systems as key drivers of economic growth.

President Museveni also expressed satisfaction with the World Bank’s proposal to support agricultural industrialization.

“I’m also happy with the proposal to support agricultural industrialisation and agro-processing,” he said.

He further underscored the importance of value addition in agriculture to boost productivity, create employment, and expand export potential.

“The system here, even in universities, was to train people—even those pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture—to produce raw materials, but no value addition was taught,” he noted.

He commended the World Bank for its continued partnership and commitment to promoting shared prosperity and inclusive development across the globe.

Mr. Qimiao Fan commended Uganda for its continued efforts towards economic stability and growth, and pledged financial support for projects such as the SGR.

“I’m happy to say that I have the documents, and the World Bank is seriously committed to supporting you financially,” he said.

He also affirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting investments in energy and transport, highlighting these sectors as key drivers of sustainable development.

Mr. Qimiao further noted that the World Bank is committed to supporting agribusiness through training, which is expected to boost value addition and enhance skills in the agriculture sector.