Driving Uganda’s Transformation through Smarter Financing

As Uganda advances towards inclusive and sustainable development, the National Partnership Forum (NPF) remains a vital platform bringing partners together, aligning priorities, and strengthening the collective commitment to deliver progress for all Ugandans.

On 26 November 2025, Uganda’s development partners, Government officials, the UN, private sector, and civil society convened for the NPF Technical Session to discuss how Uganda can strengthen and diversify its financing systems to support the implementation of the fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).

Held at the UNICEF/WFP joint national headquarters in Kampala, the meeting centred on Uganda’s transition from a “spending state” to a “financing state,” with a focus on domestic revenue mobilization, long-term capital development, stronger governance, and a more predictable financing ecosystem.

The session was co-chaired by the Deputy Head of the Uganda Public Service, Ms. Jane Mwesiga, on behalf of the Government of Uganda; and Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation for the Embassy of Sweden, Mr. Adam Kahsai Rudebeck, on behalf of the Local Development Partners Group (LDPG).

Opening the meeting, Ms. Mwesiga, underscored the urgency of this shift: “Traditional approaches to financing can no longer carry the weight of our national ambitions. Real progress needs clear priorities, strong systems, and disciplined use of resources.”

Discussions emphasized the importance of stable, long-term financing anchored in robust domestic systems and supported by innovative tools. UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Leonard Zulu, noted that Uganda is increasingly positioning itself for a future defined by predictable financing, enhanced domestic resource mobilization, and instruments such as guarantees, blended finance, and thematic bonds.

Ambassador Frederieke Quispel of the Netherlands highlighted that Uganda’s sustainability will depend on strengthening domestic financing while effectively leveraging regional and global opportunities. She stressed the need to improve the investment climate, ensure regulatory predictability, and boost investor confidence.

The Forum also spotlighted Uganda’s potential in priority ATMs sectors, including agriculture; tourism; minerals, oil and gas;  and science and technology, while exploring opportunities in climate finance, diaspora engagement, carbon markets, blended capital, and other innovative mechanisms aligned with the country’s transformation agenda.

A major outcome of the session was consensus on developing a National Financing Compact to guide coherent resource alignment around national priorities. Recommendations from the technical session will inform the upcoming political NPF, which will be chaired by the Prime Minister, where leaders will shape key policy direction for accelerating Uganda’s development trajectory.

As stakeholders work toward a resilient and prosperous future, the National Partnership Forum continues to play a central role in fostering collaboration, coherence, and a shared commitment to Uganda’s long-term transformation.