By Diana.N.Kintu
The Government of Uganda has embarked on a major review of one of its most impactful national development initiatives, aimed at assessing how investments in infrastructure, education, and trade have improved livelihoods across the country.
The review, conducted by the Ministry of Local Government, is part of the Joint Regional Development Programme Annual Review (JRDPAR) 2025, taking place at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo. The two-day event is being held under the theme “Deepening Decentralisation to Improve Service Delivery.” It seeks to evaluate the performance of the Regional Development Programme (RDP) over the past five years, covering the 2020/21 to 2024/25 period.
Speaking at the opening session, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, said the programme has achieved remarkable success in transforming communities and boosting local economies. He revealed that the RDP was implemented with an approved budget of Shs 3.8 trillion, of which 89 percent of the funds were released, and 95 percent absorbed, indicating a high level of efficiency in public resource utilisation.
“Through this effort, the RDP delivered tangible results that improved livelihoods and strengthened local economies across the country,” Kumumanya stated. He commended the strong inter-agency collaboration between various ministries, departments, and local governments, which he said was key to the programme’s success.
The review highlighted several major achievements that have brought visible change to communities in over 80 districts nationwide. More than 3,800 kilometres of community access roads have been constructed or rehabilitated, easing transport for farmers, traders, and rural residents while facilitating access to schools, health centres, and markets. These improvements have reduced transportation costs and enhanced rural connectivity.
In the education and trade sectors, the programme facilitated the construction and improvement of 237 school facilities and market infrastructure. These investments have enhanced access to education, improved learning environments for children, and revitalised local commerce by creating modern trading spaces for vendors and entrepreneurs.
The RDP has also supported the distribution of improved agricultural inputs to farmers, helping boost productivity and strengthen food security across the country. Complementary investments in agro-processing facilities have promoted value addition, enabling farmers to earn more from their produce. In addition, the programme has promoted digital innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) led by women and youth, thereby stimulating job creation and economic resilience at the grassroots level.
Kumumanya emphasised that the lessons from the review will guide the ministry and its partners in consolidating the gains made so far and in designing future programmes that continue to bring services closer to the people. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening decentralisation as a means of achieving sustainable regional development and equitable service delivery.
The Regional Development Programme is closely aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Third National Development Plan (NDP III), which focus on inclusive growth and balanced regional development. As the review continues, government officials and development partners are expected to chart new strategies to ensure that the programme’s success is sustained and that every Ugandan benefits from the dividends of decentralised development.