Pamela Mbabazi Outlines NDP IV Strategic Framework to Drive Inclusive Growth and Double-Digit Economic Expansion
World Business Journal talks to Pamela K. Mbabazi, Chairperson of the National Planning Authority, about NDP IV’s strategic framework aimed at driving economic growth. She discusses how the plan synergises with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and addresses challenges such as low productivity and a weak private sector.
How does NDP IV facilitate the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with Uganda’s vision for tenfold growth?
NDP IV is a strategic framework aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Uganda’s goal for tenfold economic growth. The theme, “Sustainable Industrialisation for Inclusive Growth, Employment, and Wealth Creation,” integrates all 17 SDGs into core objectives, ensuring that national development efforts contribute to global targets.
Key initiatives focus on improving infrastructure, fostering innovation, and attracting foreign investment. For instance, programmes that improve livelihoods and financial inclusion, particularly through the Parish Development Model, address SDG 1 (No Poverty).
SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) is supported by expanding universal health coverage, improving the National Health Insurance Scheme, upgrading hospitals, and expanding community health centres.
SDG 4 (Quality Education) elevates vocational and higher education, equipping Ugandans with relevant skills. The plan expands the Skilling Uganda programmes, invests in modern training facilities, and integrates digital learning. Partnerships with the private sector strengthen apprenticeship opportunities, while increased funding for STEM fields encourages careers in high-demand areas. Student loan schemes improve equitable access, and better teacher training ensures effective delivery of the curriculum.
SDG 13 (Climate Action) advances sustainability through climate-smart technologies in infrastructure, agriculture, and industry. Investments in renewable energy and sustainable urban planning aim to reduce carbon footprints. Policies for afforestation and wetland restoration address environmental degradation, while sustainable land use practices help farmers adapt to climate change.
NDP IV is a bold call to action, mobilising investment for double-digit growth while championing inclusive and sustainable development throughout Uganda.
What measures are being implemented to tackle the challenges of low productivity and a weak private sector identified in NDP III?
We are prioritising capacity building and digitisation to boost efficiency and productivity, providing incentives such as tax breaks to encourage private sector investment, and utilising Indicative Planning Figures to set realistic targets. A new Key Performance Indicator system is being established for data collection and progress tracking.
Coordination among government agencies will be improved, with regular performance reports to ensure accountability. The NDP IV will adopt a holistic approach to economic growth, emphasising agriculture and agro-industrialisation, and will shift to outcome-based budgeting to align financial resources with strategic objectives.
Finally, we are implementing citizen feedback mechanisms to enhance transparency and accountability in service delivery, allowing public input on government programmes.
