Establishing a robust and sustainable infrastructure foundation is essential for the development of any nation. Uganda has made significant strides in infrastructure development as a means to foster economic growth and development. This commitment is shaped by substantial investments in transport infrastructure, energy, housing, and urbanization, all of which play a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for the country.
Moreover, infrastructure development is positioned as a catalyst for regional integration and resilience. Uganda’s strategic location in East Africa makes transport corridors and energy interconnectivity vital for cross-border trade. By 2030, the plan anticipates Uganda becoming a logistics hub, with cargo volumes through inland ports and railways increasing fivefold. Water for production schemes are projected to expand irrigated land to 1.5 million hectares, boosting agricultural exports and food security. These investments are expected to elevate household incomes, reduce poverty levels below 10%, and integrate 33% of Ugandans into the money economy. In essence, infrastructure is not just a sectoral priority—it is the engine driving Uganda’s tenfold growth trajectory and socio-economic transformation.
The NDP IV and the Tenfold Growth Strategy emphasize investments in transportation, energy, housing, and urban development as essential for achieving both medium-term and long-term outcomes. Government targets to increase the share of paved roads to 33% from the current 29% and is also focusing on developing various modes of transport, including the standard gauge railway and the expansion and construction of international airports. Furthermore, Government investment in electricity will raise electricity generation to 15,420 MW and improve access to electricity to 70%, while reducing reliance on biomass energy. In addition, Government also targets to increase the share of urban paved roads to 11.5%, where currently only 2,282 km are paved; aims for compliance with physical development plans in cities, municipalities, and towns to reach 70%; and seeks to reduce the housing deficit by 21%, decreasing the number of required housing units from 2,400,000 to 1,900,000.
To achieve the above targets, the following strategies will be deployed.
- Government will prioritise the development of an inter-modal transport infrastructure as well as maintain the existing ones.
- Increase access to clean, reliable and affordable energy by introducing more reforms to reduce energy tariffs
- Leverage urbanization for socioeconomic transformation and integrate transport planning with urban development to reduce congestion
- Incentivizing private developers in affordable housing in addition to the implementation of the mortgage financing facility and capitalization of the Housing Finance Bank.