BY Diana Kintu
The Government of Uganda and the United Nations have launched a new five-year cooperation framework aimed at accelerating the country’s socio-economic transformation in line with national and global development goals. The initiative, known as the Uganda-UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2026–2030), was officially unveiled at a ceremony held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.
The event was presided over by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, while Ambassador Maria Håkansson signed the agreement on behalf of the United Nations. The launch brought together senior government officials, representatives from the UN system, and members of the diplomatic community, highlighting the shared commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development in Uganda.
Prime Minister Nabbanja, speaking on behalf of the President, reaffirmed Uganda’s dedication to international cooperation as a pathway to achieving the nation’s long-term aspirations. She noted that the partnership will play a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Vision 2040, which aims to transform Uganda from a predominantly peasant-based economy into a modern, industrial, and prosperous nation.
“This cooperation framework provides an important roadmap for aligning our national priorities with the global Sustainable Development Goals. It is a partnership that reflects Uganda’s confidence in the UN system and our shared vision of creating a better future for all Ugandans,” Nabbanja said.
The new framework also complements Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring Uganda’s development strategies are consistent with continental and international priorities. According to the UN, the agreement emphasises joint efforts in addressing key social, economic, and environmental challenges that affect the country’s progress.
The partnership will channel resources and technical expertise into six transformative areas. These include strengthening food systems to ensure food security and nutrition; improving the quality and inclusiveness of education; promoting decent employment opportunities and social protection; expanding access to affordable and clean energy; enhancing resilience to climate change; and improving governance, justice, and accountability systems.
Officials from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), alongside other UN agencies in Uganda, expressed their collective commitment to working under the new framework. They emphasised that the cooperation will build on previous achievements while introducing innovative approaches to accelerate progress toward sustainable development.
Ambassador Håkansson noted that the new framework represents “a renewed spirit of partnership” between Uganda and the United Nations, built on mutual trust and shared responsibility. She highlighted that the UN will continue to support Uganda in realising its national ambitions while ensuring that no one is left behind in the development process.
The launch of the Uganda-UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2026–2030) thus marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s development cooperation journey. It underscores the strong partnership between Uganda and the United Nations, aimed at transforming lives, promoting equity, and achieving inclusive and sustainable growth for all Ugandans.