Uganda Advances DPO Talks with World Bank, IMF Reviews ECF Programme

April 18, 2026: Uganda has intensified negotiations with global lenders, advancing discussions on a Development Policy Operation (DPO) with the World Bank while reviewing its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as the government seeks financing frameworks to support its long-term growth strategy.

The talks took place during the 2026 Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., where Uganda’s delegation engaged both institutions on funding mechanisms aimed at strengthening fiscal stability, accelerating reforms, and supporting socio-economic transformation.

Development Policy Operation Framework

Uganda is seeking support through a proposed Development Policy Operation, a World Bank instrument that provides budget financing tied to policy and institutional reforms. The DPO is expected to play a central role in advancing the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, which targets sustained economic expansion and structural transformation.

According to officials, the World Bank is expected to dispatch a technical mission to Kampala in the coming days to further refine the framework and assess priority reform areas. These include human capital development, fiscal sustainability, agro-industrialisation, and infrastructure expansion aimed at enabling private sector-led growth.

The DPO structure is designed to support reforms that enhance governance, strengthen macroeconomic management, and promote inclusive growth while addressing poverty reduction objectives.

In parallel, Uganda held consultations with the IMF’s African Department to review progress under its Extended Credit Facility programme. The ECF, a concessional financing mechanism under the IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust, provides medium-term support to countries implementing macroeconomic reforms.

Discussions focused on assessing Uganda’s economic performance and evaluating progress in meeting programme targets, including fiscal discipline and structural reform benchmarks. An IMF mission is expected to visit Uganda shortly to continue the review process and provide further guidance.

The engagement reflects ongoing coordination between Ugandan authorities and the IMF to maintain programme alignment and ensure continued access to concessional financing.

Focus on Fiscal Reforms and Revenue Mobilisation

Uganda’s delegation, led by Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development Henry Musasizi, emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening fiscal resilience. Key priorities include improving tax policy and administration to boost domestic revenue mobilisation and reduce reliance on external borrowing.

Officials also highlighted efforts to enhance public debt management, aiming to ensure sustainability while supporting development spending. Strengthening fiscal buffers remains a central objective as the country navigates global economic uncertainties.

The discussions underscored the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability while implementing reforms that support long-term growth and investment.

Infrastructure development and private sector expansion were identified as critical pillars of Uganda’s growth strategy. The proposed DPO is expected to support policy measures that improve the business environment and facilitate investment in key sectors, including agriculture and industry.

Efforts to promote agro-industrialisation are aimed at increasing value addition, boosting exports, and creating employment opportunities. Authorities are also focusing on improving access to infrastructure to support economic activity and regional integration.

The engagement with international financial institutions reflects a broader strategy to attract investment and strengthen the role of the private sector in driving economic growth.

Global Economic Context and Risk Preparedness

Uganda’s discussions with the World Bank and IMF also addressed the country’s preparedness to respond to external shocks, including evolving geopolitical risks and global market volatility. Officials highlighted the need for coordinated policy responses to mitigate potential impacts on growth and fiscal stability.

The government is working to build resilience against global disruptions by strengthening economic fundamentals and ensuring policy flexibility. This includes maintaining stable macroeconomic conditions and implementing reforms that enhance economic adaptability.

As Uganda advances its financing discussions, the outcome of the DPO negotiations and IMF programme review is expected to play a key role in shaping the country’s economic trajectory, particularly in supporting reform implementation and sustaining growth momentum.