LOUD & CLEAR: Museveni Delivers Clear Message to World Bank

President Yoweri Museveni has made it clear to incoming World Bank country director that all Uganda wants is supporting her priorities.

On August 18, Museveni met new World Bank Group Country Manager Mukami Kariuki and her delegation at State House Entebbe.

Present in the meeting were finance minister Matia Kasaija and Uganda’s special representative to the United Nations Ambassador Adonia Ayebare.

Museveni told the World Bank boss Mukami that industrial transformation and value addition remained among Uganda’s priorities.

“Support our priorities if you want to help the people. I want money to build capacity for our people to benefit,” he said.

It is in such areas Museveni sought partnership with the World Bank, one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries.

He told the new World Bank country manager that it could boost growth and economic development if it aligned Uganda’s aspirations.

The World Bank says its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

Museveni and Mukami also discussed cooperation between the World Bank and Uganda particularly in the areas of innovation, the impact of Covid19 on the economy, infrastructure, education and Health, according to State House.

The World Bank’s Mukami also sought the President’s guidance on how to maximally utilize the funds meant to respond to the emergencies in the wake of Covid19 pandemic, reported the Presidential Press Unit.  

Mukami is said to have appreciated the working relationship between the World Bank and Government of Uganda. 

She also promised that under her leadership, the World Bank Group will continue to work closely with the Government of Uganda and other stakeholders to provide innovative products and services that respond to its diverse development challenges and contribute to achieving sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction, with a specific emphasis on Covid19 recovery.