Allan Joshua Mwesiga

Dad/Husband/Lover of life, fun, adventure/Passion for people

[Ministry of Finance @mofpedU]

GGOOBI MEETS PRESIDENT OF BADEA:
On the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank,2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, PSST Dr. @rggoobi met the President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA),H.E Abdullah Khalil AlMusaibeeh. 

@rggoobi thanked BADEA for the support extended to Uganda especially in the health sector. The Bank is financing the construction and equipping of the Uganda Heart Institute in Naguru in partnership with OPEC Fund for International Development & Saudi Fund for Development.

BADEA is also financing the refurbishment and equipping Bugiri General

Dr. Ggoobi thanked the Bank for the continued support to the Uganda Development Bank. They have so far financed seven lines of credit both directly to @UDB_Official and through Government. Currently BADEA is financing @UDB_Official with two lines of credit through Government worth USD 50 million and USD 100 million from the Public and Private windows of the Bank respectively.

The President of the BADEA thanked the PSST and @GovUganda for the continued cooperation and pledged further support to Uganda’s development agenda.

[Mukhtar Babayev @Mukhtar_Babayev]

Pleased to meet with Dr. Patricia Ojangole, Managing Director of Uganda Development Bank, on the margins of the 51st Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group in Baku.

Discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation with African countries through investment, development finance and partnerships in renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture and sustainable economic growth.

Africa is playing an increasingly important role within the global climate agenda. Exchanged views on advancing the implementation of #COP29 outcomes and scaling climate finance to support sustainable development, resilience and energy transition efforts across the continent.

#COP29 #ClimateFinance #Africa #ClimateAction

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

Prosperity rarely arrives in one defining moment.

It’s built in the quiet decisions; choosing to invest, to plan, to keep going even when progress feels slow.

Every step forward matters. Every action compounds. Start where you are, and stay the course.

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

People & Culture | The Power of Our Work

At times, the impact of what we do may feel distant from our daily routines; the reports, meetings, reviews, and approvals. Yet every investment, every conversation, and every decision contributes to a larger story: the story of transforming businesses and lives across Uganda.

During our recently concluded refresher training at Nelly’s, staff from Uganda Development Bank had the opportunity to interact with Shamim Walusansa, Founder of AKI Spices, an enthusiastic entrepreneur who was seeking funding to expand her business.

As she shared her story and spoke about the different aspects of her enterprise, it became clear that while her business is profitable and promising, it may not necessarily qualify for the specific type of funding that UDB provides. However, what followed was a powerful demonstration of the values that define the people behind the institution.

Moved by her passion, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit, members of the UDB team who were present chose not to let the moment pass without support. Led by Mr. Andama Mahmoud, Director of Investments, the team decided to contribute from their own personal resources. Colleagues voluntarily pooled together what they could to offer a gesture of encouragement to Shamim as she continues to grow her business.

During the morning session, the contribution was formally handed over to her by our Managing Director, Dr. Patricia Ojangole on behalf of the team — a simple but meaningful act that reflected the compassion, solidarity, and human spirit within the UDB family.

Following the interaction, Shamim shared a message of appreciation for the support and engagement she experienced.

In her words:

“Your commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and supporting local businesses is truly inspiring. It is because of organizations like UDB that small and growing businesses are able to gain hope, confidence, and the resources needed to expand and serve our communities.”

While she may not know each of the individuals behind the work, her message is a powerful reminder that every member of the UDB team plays a role in enabling businesses to grow and communities to thrive.

From project appraisal to risk management, communications to finance, and every function in between; the collective effort of our people makes transformation possible.

At UDB, we are not only financing businesses.
We are investing in dreams, livelihoods, and Uganda’s future.

Let this serve as a reminder that the work we do every day matters; and that sometimes, the greatest impact comes not only from the institutions we represent, but from the hearts of the people within them.

Together, we are building stronger businesses and a stronger Uganda.

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

On the approvals side, the Bank committed UGX518.4 billion to 120 projects across the country. Of this, 50% supported agriculture, agro-industrialization, and manufacturing, 12% was directed to services such as tourism, education, and health, while UGX124.2 billion was allocated as working capital to support indigenous contractors in infrastructure development. These investments underscore UDB’s role as a catalyst for private sector-led growth and national development.

— Joshua Allan Mwesiga, Director Strategy & Corporate Affairs, Uganda Development Bank

#UDB4EasternUG

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

Our funding base grew by 52%, supported by UGX77 billion in Government capital contributions and UGX361 billion in borrowings from development partners. Beyond financing, we continue to strengthen non-financial interventions, incubating 238 SMEs under our Enterprise Development Program and supporting youth, women, and SMEs through specialized programs valued at UGX68.4 billion. As we look ahead to 2029, we remain committed to improving the quality of life of Ugandans by transitioning to a more supply-driven financing model, strengthening research and innovation, mobilizing strategic capital, leveraging technology, and deepening partnerships for sustainable impact.

— Joshua Allan Mwesiga, Director Strategy & Corporate Affairs, Uganda Development Bank

#UDB4EasternUG

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

The development impact of these investments is substantial. The 120 projects approved in 2025 are projected to create over 33,600 jobs, mainly for the youth. They are expected to generate UGX5.2 trillion in output value, UGX2.76 trillion in profits, and contribute approximately UGX918.7 billion in corporation tax. Additionally, exports from these enterprises are projected to earn Uganda UGX2.79 trillion in foreign exchange, strengthening the country’s balance of payments.

— Joshua Allan Mwesiga, Director Strategy & Corporate Affairs, Uganda Development Bank
#UDB4EasternUG

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

As we look ahead, the Bank will progressively transition to a more supply-driven financing model that addresses systemic development challenges, unlocks value chains, and extends impact to wider sections of the community. We are committed to positioning UDB as a centre of excellence in development finance, driven by research, innovation, and policy influence, while mobilizing strategic capital, leveraging technology, and harnessing human talent to drive efficiency. Above all, we will continue to work hand in hand with our partners to deliver sustainable, inclusive impact for Uganda.

— Joshua Allan Mwesiga, Director Strategy & Corporate Affairs, Uganda Development Bank

#UDB4EasternUG

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

I have the honour of sharing highlights of the Bank’s performance for the period 1st January to 31st December 2025. During this time, the Bank’s total assets grew by 24% to UGX2.28 trillion, supported by UGX438 billion in new funding from Government capital contributions and external lines of credit. Our gross loan portfolio also expanded to UGX1.77 trillion, with 60% of this invested in primary agriculture, agro-industry, and manufacturing; demonstrating our continued focus on driving real sector growth.

— Joshua Allan Mwesiga, Director Strategy & Corporate Affairs, Uganda Development Bank

#UDB4EasternUG

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

On Monday, 23rd February 2026, the French Development Agency (AFD) and Uganda Development Bank (UDB) entered into a strategic partnership to further strengthen UDB’s mandate of providing long-term, patient capital to priority sectors of Uganda’s economy.

Through an initial EUR 40 million credit line (UGX 169 billion), complemented by EUR 800,000 (UGX 3.38 billion) in technical assistance, the partnership will enhance UDB’s ability to catalyze sustainable and inclusive economic growth while expanding access to long-term development finance.

The agreement was signed by Marc Trouyet, Country Director of AFD, and Dr. Patricia Ojangole, Managing Director of UDB, in the presence of H.E. Virginie Leroy, Ambassador of France to Uganda, at the UDB Tower in Kampala.

Dr. Ojangole expressed gratitude to AFD for the trust and shared vision, noting that the funding will help address Uganda’s environmental and social challenges in a structured and measurable way. She emphasized improved access to finance for traditionally underserved populations, particularly youth and women, strengthening social inclusion, expanding economic participation, and reducing structural inequalities within the economy.

The partnership aligns with the priorities of Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), which focuses on expanding access to economic resources and strengthening enterprise growth and competitiveness.

The additional financing comes as UDB enters the second year of implementing its new strategy, expanding its role beyond credit provision to include structuring transactions, offering advisory services, and crowding-in development finance from local and international partners to support investments across the country.

“For us as a development finance institution, access to concessional and strategic funding is not merely about liquidity. It is about leverage; leveraging the funds mobilized into measurable economic impact,” Dr. Ojangole noted.

The line of credit will expand UDB’s capacity to finance transformative projects that create jobs, deepen industrialization, support SMEs, advance infrastructure, and drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

H.E. Virginie Leroy highlighted that the partnership reflects France’s support to Uganda in implementing the Tenfold Growth Strategy, particularly in the ATMS sectors, and advancing Uganda’s ambition to become a Middle-Income Country by harnessing the potential of agriculture and agribusiness.

She further announced that a business forum will be held during the Africa Forward Summit under the joint invitation of President Emmanuel Macron and President William Ruto in Nairobi on May 11th and 12th, focusing on Agriculture, Green Industrialization, Energy, Logistics, Digital Economy, and Health, while also addressing reform of the international financial system and macroeconomic imbalances.

AFD emphasized its confidence that the partnership will deliver social impacts through increased financial inclusion for women and youth-led businesses; economic impacts by strengthening agricultural actors such as SACCOs and agribusinesses; and climate impacts through the promotion of climate-smart agriculture and climate-resilient infrastructure.

@AFD_en @VLJMLeroy @PannetierOlivi1 @TheMugisa

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

In the coming weeks, RISE moves from conversation to coordinated action. We will convene targeted stakeholder engagements across each mission for deeper discussions, followed by challenge validation, structured on-boarding, and the development of investment-ready pipelines.

This is how dialogue becomes delivery, by ensuring opportunities are properly structured, matched with finance, and approved for funding.

RISE must translate into real projects, real capital, and sustained long-term transformation for Uganda. Let us carry forward the same enthusiasm we have demonstrated over the last three days and act boldly, together. Twende pamoja.

Joshua Allan Mwesiga: Director Strategy & Corporate Affairs - Uganda Development Bank

#RISE4UG2026

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

Industrial real estate is often misunderstood. It is not residential housing. It is not retail malls. It is not speculative property development.

It is land and built infrastructure deliberately designed to enable economic production at scale.

It is factories that house manufacturing.
It is logistics hubs that connect producers to markets.
It is serviced industrial parks with power, water, roads, and digital infrastructure already in place.
It is energy-ready, infrastructure-ready land that reduces the cost of doing business and accelerates enterprise growth.
Without well-planned, well-financed, and efficiently constructed industrial infrastructure, industrialization cannot take root. Productivity remains constrained. Export competitiveness remains limited. Capital remains under-leveraged.
If energy powers industry, and technology optimizes it, industrial real estate houses it.
The Industrial Real-Estate & Construction Mission focuses on building that physical foundation, turning capital into productive, high-impact assets that position Uganda for long-term competitiveness.

Joshua Allan Mwesiga Director Strategy & Corporate Affairs
#RISE4UG2026

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

Uganda’s industrial sector contributes nearly 25% of GDP, with manufacturing accounting for over 15% and generating close to 30% of national tax revenue. Growth has been driven by agro-processing, construction materials, beverages, light manufacturing, regional trade, and deliberate government policy.

But Uganda’s ambition is even greater, to grow from a $50 billion economy to $500 billion by 2040.

That transformation cannot happen without the right physical systems in place.

Manufacturing cannot scale without serviced industrial parks.
Exports cannot grow without warehousing and logistics networks.
Industry cannot compete without energy-ready and infrastructure-ready land.
Industrial real estate is not an accessory to industrialization, it is its backbone.

— Sophie Nakandi
Company Secretary & Director Legal
#RISE4UG2026

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

Over the past three days, the platform has unpacked the foundational pillars required to build a productive, competitive economy. The Energy Mission emphasized reliable and affordable power as the lifeblood of industry. The Agri-Food Systems Mission focused on transitioning from subsistence production to coordinated, high-value, export-ready value chains. The Infrastructure discussions highlighted connectivity as the bridge between production and markets. And the Technology Systems Mission underscored the digital and operational systems required to drive productivity and competitiveness at scale.

The consistent message across all missions has been clear: Uganda’s 10-fold growth ambition will not be achieved through fragmented interventions. It requires coordinated investment, aligned policy, and deliberate system-wide transformation that builds real productive capacity.

RISE is not about expanding numbers, it is about strengthening foundations.

Joshua Allan Mwesiga
Director Strategy & Corporate Affairs

#RISE4UG2026

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

Together, we can build an industrial backbone that powers Uganda’s long-term growth and competitiveness. RISE provides the platform for a highly engaging session, where we explore our individual roles and the commitments each of us must make to ensure sustained, inclusive, and transformative development for Uganda.

Joshua Allan Mwesiga – Director Strategy & Corporate Affairs, Uganda Development Bank Limited

#RISE4UG2026

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

We all have a role to play. Regulators must create an enabling and predictable framework to guide industrialization. Financial institutions must provide patient, catalytic, and strategic capital. Academia must anchor research, technology, and talent development to support industrial growth. Investors must step forward with confidence in well-prepared, bankable projects.

Ladies and gentlemen, industrial transformation will not happen by chance; it will happen by design. Through alignment, discipline, and sustained collaboration, we can achieve it. That is exactly what RISE is all about: a coordinated, purposeful approach.

Joshua Allan Mwesiga – Director Strategy & Corporate Affairs, Uganda Development Bank Limited
#RISE4UG2026

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

HAPPENING NOW: Live at Sheraton

RISE 2026 is officially underway! Stakeholders from across policy, innovation, finance, and enterprise are gathering to explore high-impact solutions and coordinate action for Uganda’s transformation. This platform is bringing together the right people to turn ambitious ideas into investable, scalable opportunities.

#RISE4UG2026

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

"We thank you for joining us for another milestone for UDB and for Uganda. Today marks a fundamental turning point in how we re-imagine industrializing our country; moving from potential to productivity, from ambition to execution.
Today, we are talking about RISE. It is a real opportunity to move Uganda forward: to build competitive industries, create sustainable jobs, and ensure that our nation prospers.”

Joshua Allan Mwesiga - Director Strategy & Corporate Affairs - Uganda Development bank

#RISE4UG2026

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

Today, we mark a major milestone in Uganda’s economic transformation. One year ago, UDB launched the RISE Program reshaping industries for a sustainable economy. This is not just another initiative; it is a movement to build high-tech, high-value, and truly green businesses.”
Joshua Allan Mwesiga, Director Strategy & Corporate Affairs, Uganda Development Bank.
#RISE4UG2026

[Uganda Development Bank Ltd @UDB_Official]

Uganda Development Bank Ltd (UDB) has graduated a new cohort of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Mbarara District through its Enterprise Development Program (EDP), providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to become investor-ready.

Through business advisory services, UDB prepares and positions both startups and established businesses to access funding from any financial institutions, as well as sustain their operations.

This support is provided through the Enterprise Development Program (EDP), which includes incubation, acceleration, and mentoring initiatives. In collaboration with Makerere University’s Business School Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Incubation Centre (MUBS-EIIC), the hybrid program offers training, capacity building, business incubation and acceleration, sector-focused master classes, structured short courses, and partnerships.