Uganda has a huge goal: to expand its economy ten times over, reaching $500 billion by the year 2040. However, senior government veterans are raising a serious alarm. They warn that poor coordination and teamwork among different government offices could completely derail this ambitious plan.
This concern was highlighted by a key veteran leader at a recent gathering of top party officials. He explained that even though Uganda’s economy has steadily grown over the past forty years, serious gaps in how plans are put into action are preventing the country from truly benefiting from its investments. In simple terms, the money invested by the public isn’t leading to the expected results because different departments are working in silos, without strong connections or a shared strategy.
The veteran leader pointed out that Uganda has seen significant economic growth, thanks to improvements in areas like roads, energy, and digital services. Yet, this growth hasn’t translated into better lives for many people, enough new jobs, or increased productivity. He blames this disconnect on several problems: projects are often duplicated, programs aren’t scheduled correctly, and there isn’t enough up-to-date information to guide decision-making effectively.
He also noted that Uganda still struggles with long-standing issues, some dating back to colonial times. These include relying heavily on exporting raw goods, uneven development across different regions, and a limited ability to build its own industries.
The warning is clear: if these fundamental challenges are not addressed, Uganda risks remaining stuck in low-value economic activities. This means missing out on incredible opportunities for widespread industrial growth and failing to become competitive in the global market, especially in vital sectors like agriculture. To achieve its big economic dream, Uganda must urgently improve how its government institutions work together.