Speaker Oboth-Oboth Urges Reforms for World Bank-Funded Projects in Uganda

Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, has urged the government to implement urgent reforms to accelerate the execution of World Bank-funded projects in Uganda. He expressed concern over the prolonged delays that have hindered the delivery of essential public services. During a meeting with World Bank Country Director, Dr. Francisca Ayodeji Akala, Oboth-Oboth questioned the lengthy timeframe for projects to transition from approval to implementation.

Oboth-Oboth noted that delays have significantly impacted key sectors, including energy, roads, health, and education. Some communities have had to wait for years to benefit from planned development interventions. He called for a review of approval and procurement procedures to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and speed up project execution. This, he believes, will enable the country to address its pressing development needs more effectively.

Dr. Akala attributed much of the delay to Uganda's project implementation agencies, particularly during procurement and contract award processes. She revealed that Uganda takes an average of 539 business days to complete the procurement cycle, compared to 251 days across the World Bank's East Africa region. Bid evaluation alone takes approximately 287 days, while contract signing requires an average of 68 days.

Dr. Akala also noted that the World Bank's own review process in Uganda takes an average of 6.9 business days, slightly faster than the regional average of 7.7 days. However, she acknowledged that the Bank also has areas where its procedures could be improved. The Country Director highlighted the Energy Access Scale-up Project, which is expected to close in June 2027 but has so far disbursed only 33 per cent of its allocated funds.

Dr. Akala called for stronger parliamentary oversight of implementing ministries and improved coordination between government agencies and development partners. This, she believes, will ensure that funded projects deliver their intended results. In response, Oboth-Oboth pledged to convene a broader meeting involving the Prime Minister, the World Bank, the Ministry of Finance, and other key government ministries.

The meeting aims to identify implementation bottlenecks and agree on practical measures to accelerate project delivery. Oboth-Oboth also called for faster adoption of electronic government procurement, noting that the system could enhance transparency, minimise human interference, reduce procurement timelines, and strengthen accountability. This engagement comes amid growing concerns over delays in the utilisation of development financing.

Parliament is seeking to ensure that approved loans and other funding commitments translate into timely infrastructure development and improved public services for Ugandans. The Speaker's call for reforms and improved coordination reflects the need for efficient implementation of development projects in Uganda. Key stakeholders will need to work together to address these challenges and ensure that development financing yields tangible benefits for the country.

Key points

• Delays in project implementation have affected key sectors, including energy, roads, health, and education.
• Uganda's procurement cycle takes an average of 539 business days, significantly longer than the East Africa regional average.
• The Speaker has pledged to convene a meeting to identify bottlenecks and agree on measures to accelerate project delivery.