The successor NDP III implementation builds on the priorities set in NDP II with adjustments to address emerging development bottlenecks. Infrastructure development aims to put in place a seamless, safe and inclusive infrastructure base capable of addressing socio-economic development. It also aims at creating connectivity and production through affordable and reliable energy and digital transformation in the country.
Government seeks to continue improving the transport network in the country, expand energy generation, increase the adoption of science in national development and improve communication through development of ICT infrastructure.
On transport integration, Government seeks to improve regional connectivity to open up emerging markets, encourage local growth centres and reduce traffic congestion within the GKMA and surrounding cities. Over the NDP III period, great focus will be placed on increasing the stock of paved roads from the current 4,971 km to 7,500 km by 2025. To facilitate tourism potential, Government will complete tarmacking of tourism roads and providing necessary infrastructure to enhance private sector engagements. Similarly, maintenance and rehabilitation of road and railway infrastructure will be prioritized to reduce the cost associated with dilapidation. Furthermore, development of water and air transport will be critical in enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the region and beyond. Significant investment into air transport has been realized and Government seeks to further improve its contribution to the country’s economic growth. As such, surmountable progress is being made in the rehabilitation of Entebbe International Airport, development of regional aerodromes and the Kabaale International Airport to facilitate oil production and linking production areas to the markets.
On energy development, Government focus will be to increase power generation and to promote alternative modern energy sources that promote green growth. Investment in the development of Karuma HPP and promotion of Nuclear energy will be prioritized to address the energy deficits. The NDP III emphasizes the importance of industrialization in job creation and economic growth where provision of affordable energy is a prerequisite for industrial growth. To this end, Government seeks to lower energy tariffs to about US cents 5/KWh. Which is aimed at positioning Uganda as a regional industrial hub. In addition, continued implementation of the Electricity Connections Policy will increase the proportion of the population with access to electricity both for lighting and heating. Government targets to achieve 60 percent access to electricity by 2026 under the Electricity Connection Policy and therefore achieve maximum electricity consumption from 100kwh to 578kwh.
On Information and Communication Technology, the NDPIII recognizes the ICT sector as one that can facilitate sustainable, effective and efficient development through harnessing and utilizing ICT in all spheres of life. Over the NDPIII period, priority will be given to last mile extension of the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) and continue to provide affordable internet access to support private sector development. Government will therefore promote adoption of ICT enabled services by digitizing Government services to plug bureaucratic process and corruption in service delivery. This will ultimately lower the cost of doing business.