During the engagement, the Minister of State for Planning, Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, underscored that achieving Uganda’s ambitious growth agenda will require Uganda Development Bank to mobilize resources and deploy capital in innovative ways.
On behalf of UDB, Board Chairman Geoffrey Kihuguru congratulated Hon. Henry Musasizi and Hon. Amina Mukalazi upon their appointments as the Bank’s shareholders and commended Government for its continued confidence in UDB. He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to improving the quality of life of Ugandans.
Responding to the Minister’s query on serving the bottom of the pyramid, Managing Director Dr. Patricia Ojangole highlighted UDB’s Special Program segment, which is specifically designed to bridge both the financing and skills gap for underserved groups, including SMEs, women and youth.
The leadership of Uganda Development Bank (UDB) today formally met with the newly appointed Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, together with the Minister of State for Privatization and Investment, Hon. Amina Mukalazi, who both serve as the Bank’s shareholders.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development offices, was also attended by the Minister of State for Planning, Hon. Amos Lugoloobi. The UDB delegation, comprising the Board of Directors and Management team, was led by Board Chairman Geoffrey Kihuguru and Managing Director Dr. Patricia Ojangole.
Hon. Musasizi described the engagement as an important first meeting that would shape his understanding of UDB, its mandate and its aspirations. He emphasized the pivotal role the Bank will play in delivering Government’s ambition of growing Uganda’s economy tenfold by 2040. The Minister also commended the expertise reflected in UDB’s governance, noting that it is progressive and worthy of replication across other government agencies.
“In addition, we have supported the preparation of another 13.6-megawatt solar project, for which we expect to reach financial close by January 2026.
Our current pipeline is robust, comprising about 55 megawatts of grid-connected solar and approximately 35 megawatts of small hydro power projects. We are also conceptualizing a 100-megawatt solar project with battery storage, projected to cost around 100 million dollars.
For all these projects, our support spans the entire project cycle, from conceptualization and preparation to viability gap funding and financial support.” Dr. Francis Mwesigye - Chief Economist at UDB.
#COP30 #UDBCOP30
“We have identified infrastructure as a key sector, and within that, energy stands out as a top priority. The Bank recognizes this area as critical because Uganda is currently at the industrialization stage, and energy lies at the heart of this transformation, powering manufacturing and driving national development.
The Bank supports various nodes across the energy value chain; from generation to transmission, distribution, and even project preparation. For example, we recently supported a 22-megawatt solar plant in Central Uganda, taking it from the preparation stage all the way to financing.” Dr. Francis Mwesigye, Chief Economist at UDB.
#UDBCOP30 #COP30
"The road to climate resilience is long, but each conversation like this brings us one step closer. At UDB, we remain steadfast in our belief that sustainable agriculture is the bridge between prosperity and planetary health.
Let us continue to invest wisely, collaborate boldly, and innovate relentlessly for the farmers, for our planet, and for generations yet to come."
Geoffrey T. Kihuguru. Board Chairman, UDB.
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“Uganda is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its dependence on rain-fed agriculture, unsustainable farming practices, limited access to climate finance, and inadequate meteorological data.
Changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are reducing crop and livestock productivity, worsening food insecurity and poverty. Droughts alone cause colossal losses annually, while key export crops such as coffee and horticulture could lose up to 50% of their value by 2050.
As part of its mandate, the Bank has prioritized supporting Uganda to realize its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of 22% by 2030 as well as adaptation commitments such as promoting climate smart agriculture, ensuring climate resilient infrastructure and low carbon industries that were made in the Nationally Determined Contributions.”
Denis Ochieng, Director of Finance and Business Operations at UDB.
#COP30 #UDBCOP30
The Uganda Development Bank (UDB) delegation at #COP30 held a bilateral meeting with Solar Cookers International, represented by Executive Director Caitlyn Hughes.
The discussion focused on exploring innovative pathways for collaboration in climate change mitigation through the expansion of carbon credits. Both parties emphasized the importance of advancing clean energy adoption by promoting solar cooking technologies—enabling grassroots communities to harness free solar energy, breathe cleaner air, access safe drinking water, and protect the environment.
Currently, an estimated 2.1 billion people rely on wood, charcoal, or animal waste for cooking, exposing themselves daily to harmful smoke and soot, while many others depend on costly and unsustainable fossil fuels. The meeting underscored the shared commitment to championing no-emission solar energy solutions that enhance health, strengthen family resilience, empower women and children, boost local economies, and contribute to achieving all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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“As we leave this session, let us move from dialogue to delivery. UDB welcomes partnerships with technology providers, financiers, municipalities, and entrepreneurs who share our vision of a low-carbon, circular economy.
Together, we can transform Uganda’s waste challenge into a story of innovation, investment, and inclusion.” Geoffrey T. Kihuguru. Board Chairman, UDB
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“Africa’s rapid urbanization is generating unprecedented volumes of waste with profound implications for our environment, our health, and our economies. Yet waste is not just a problem to be managed; it is a resource to be harnessed.
A source of renewable energy, raw materials, and employment when managed efficiently and innovatively. The challenge before us, therefore, is to transform what is often viewed as a burden into a driver of green growth and urban resilience.” Geoffrey T. Kihuguru. Board Chairman, UDB
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“When effectively managed through segregation, recycling, composting, energy recovery, and circular economy strategies, municipal solid waste can be converted into renewable energy, secondary raw materials, and value-added products that create jobs and strengthen urban resilience.
This session will highlight cutting-edge solutions, scalable financing models, and the opportunities for collaboration to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, circular economy.”
Denis Ochieng, Director of Finance and Business Operations at UDB.
#UDBCOP30 #COP30
“I encourage each of us to transform today’s dialogue into actionable partnerships. Let us mobilize the resources, expertise, and commitment necessary to bridge the climate finance gap and accelerate the transition toward a low-carbon future.
UDB stands ready to work with all partners to co-create models of green growth that are inclusive, bankable, and replicable. Energy efficiency and electric mobility are not just sectors.
They are enablers of a just, prosperous, and sustainable Africa. Together, through innovation, finance, and solidarity, we can turn ambition into impact.” Geoffrey T. Kihuguru. Board Chairman, UDB
#UDBCOP30 #COP30
BADEA - the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa and the Government of Uganda have signed two Facility Agreements amounting to USD 150 million to support the private sector.
The signing ceremony between H.E. Abdullah ALMUSABEEH, BADEA President, and H.E. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development of Uganda, happened Thursday on the sidelines of the 41st Board of Governors of the Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group) in Kigali, Rwanda.
Two-thirds of this loan (USD 100 million) is secured by the Government under BADEA’s Private Sector window to support the Ugandan Development Bank Limited (UDB) in on-lending to vital sectors of the economy including agro-processing, infrastructure, manufacturing, health and education.
At the occasion, H.E. Abdullah ALMUSABEEH, BADEA President said: “Today’s loan agreement with the Government of Uganda is an outstanding example of how Governments can leverage from BADEA’s available financial instruments from both the public and private sectors as well as from trade finance windows to empower the private sector and advance countries’ social and economic development agenda” said.
Our Chairperson for the Unit Trust Holders, Mr. Kihuguru Geoffrey, set the tone by highlighting how macroeconomic resilience, investor confidence, and disciplined strategy shaped 2024.
Uganda recorded 6.06% GDP growth and our assets under management grew by 43% to UGX 2.4 trillion. More than 20,000 new unit holders joined our funds, demonstrating rising financial awareness and trust in Old Mutual’s stewardship.
In 2025, we remain focused on capital preservation, consistent returns, and building a stronger, more inclusive financial future for Uganda.
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#WomenFixingUganda
Congratulations, Dr. Patricia Ojangole!
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Patricia Ojangole, Managing Director of @UDB_Official, on her appointment as Chairperson of the Association of African Development Finance Institutions (AADFI)!
Her appointment was officially confirmed during the 51st Ordinary General Assembly of AADFI, held on May 26, 2025, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, as part of the Association’s Annual General Assembly and the 50th Anniversary celebrations.
Dr. Ojangole’s remarkable leadership journey—from serving as AADFI’s First Vice Chairperson (2019–2025) to becoming the first woman ever to chair the Association since its inception—represents a historic milestone and a proud moment for Uganda and the entire African development finance community.
Her vision, dedication, and commitment to fostering inclusive, transformative growth across Africa are an inspiration to us all.
Let’s celebrate this momentous achievement and wish Dr. Ojangole every success in her new role!
#Leadership #Inspiration #AfricanDevelopment #Congratulations