Uganda is pursuing strategic, inclusive, and sustainable development by investing in key sectors, innovation, energy, and human capital—amplifying its role in Africa’s future.
With our natural and human resources, we aim to drive innovation, sustainability, and growth. This vision is not just about economic advancement but also about creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Through clear policies, strong leadership, and the resilience of our people, Uganda is well-positioned to achieve its goals and inspire the rest of Africa
H.E. Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda
Uganda enters 2025 with growing confidence, propelled by a bold national agenda that combines sustainable development, resource-driven opportunity, and inclusive progress. With an expected GDP growth rate of 7.45%—outpacing regional neighbors—Uganda’s momentum is no longer just potential; it is policy-backed, community-driven, and rooted in purpose.
At the center of this transformation is a strategic focus on four key sectors—Agriculture, Tourism, Minerals and Mining, and Science and Technology, or ATMS—identified by the government as pillars of development. These are the foundations on which the country is building a diversified economy capable of creating jobs, generating value, and protecting future generations.
This is clearly visible in Uganda’s approach to energy. The government is undertaking reforms to expand access, attract investment, and reduce emissions, with ambitious targets and inclusive frameworks. “We would like to chase darkness; we want to increase the accessibility of electricity,” said Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development. “We have invested in energy generation, transmission, and distribution. We know that by 2040 at least, we shall have 52,000 megawatts generated from different sources.”
This includes renewables such as solar, biogas, and geothermal, but also extends to nuclear and natural gas. With the Lake Albert oil project advancing and a petrochemical industrial park underway, Uganda is positioning itself not just as a producer of raw materials but as a hub of processing, employment, and technological transfer. That same principle—value addition—applies to mining, where legislation is emphasizing beneficiation over raw export. The goal: convert natural wealth into lasting national value.
Investor confidence is also being reinforced. To counteract inefficiencies and protect investor interests, Uganda launched the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), working alongside a new digital investment portal. “Uganda offers a secure, resource-rich, and investor-friendly environment, with strong governmental support and digital innovations that make the investment process seamless and transparent,” said Colonel Edith Nakalema, Head of SHIPU.
Transparency is critical in a country where development is seen as a shared responsibility between public institutions, the private sector, and the people. Uganda’s youthful population—one of the world’s youngest—is central to this strategy.
“Uganda has the potential to be the food basket of Central and East Africa,” said Arthur Isiko, Managing Director of Bank of Africa Uganda.
“But that requires financial institutions to play a larger role. Agriculture is underfinanced, and if we can step up credit access, especially for value-added exports like coffee, we will see wider regional trade corridors open up.”
Building local capacity is central to the national vision. At Makerere University, one of Africa’s oldest and most respected academic institutions, the focus is on producing graduates who are innovators and nation-builders. “We are doing everything possible to contribute to getting solutions for our young population to be gainfully employed,” said Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor. “Makerere should consolidate its position as the engine of development, not just of Uganda, but of the entire region.”
Uganda’s digital economy is growing fast, supported by an innovation ecosystem spanning financial services and electric mobility. “Science and technology are essential,” said Hon. Mwebesa Francis, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives. “In a population that is so young, it’s all about creativity and innovation. Uganda is one of the few countries where companies like Kiira Motors are driving electric vehicles.”
Trade is also expanding. With the East African market of 300 million people at its doorstep, Uganda is strengthening regional leadership. “We have a space in the world,” noted Sanjay Rughani, Managing Director of Standard Chartered Uganda. “It’s beyond borders, beyond continents. Uganda has been growing for the last few years and is one of the fastest-growing nations in the world.” This momentum is not without challenges, but Uganda’s trajectory is clearly forward-facing. Infrastructure, energy, human capital, and governance are converging to create an economy with deep roots and broad reach. At the heart of it all is a unifying belief in progress—and a people determined to achieve it.
From the mountains of the west to the waters of Lake Victoria, from Kampala’s urban dynamism to rural innovation centers, Uganda is not just rising—it is rising with intent.
Building Uganda’s Next Chapter
Uganda is pursuing strategic, inclusive, and sustainable development by investing in key sectors, innovation, energy, and human capital—amplifying its role in Africa’s future.
