Uganda has been urged to put the ordinary citizen at the centre of all her development programmes for inclusive growth.

According to Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Resident Representative for Uganda, that is the only way the government can sustain her economic growth for longer periods.

She was speaking during the national launch of the 2022-2023 Human Development Report under the theme: Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Co-operation in a Polarised World.

Organised by the United Nations Development Programme, the event that took place at Makerere University on Wednesday was attended by several stakeholders including government officials, civil society, academia and the general public.

Nwanne said putting people at the centre of development means ensuring that hospitals have medicines and that there is clean drinking and other social services in the communities.

 “Development is not for aliens. It is for humans; it is for you and me,” she said.

Giant leap

Uganda now sits in the 159th position out of 193 ranked. This is a leap from the 166th position in 2021.

 The development also means Uganda now ties in the position with Zimbabwe, which dropped 13 places from 146th. 

In East Africa, only Kenya, which also improved in the rankings (from 152 to 146), sits above Uganda. 

Rt.Hon.Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda (right) chatting with Prof.Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor Makerere University

The improvement also means Uganda moved from Low Human Development Countries to Medium Human Development Countries. 

Speaking at the event, which was presided over by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Nwanne said despite the good performance, the government should make efforts to reduce inequalities, which the reports showed are increasing among different groups in Uganda including among women. 

Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

“Unless that is done, there is a risk that some people might not be able to go to school, have access to health and other opportunities because the gap between the haves and have-nots is increasing. 

Susan Ngongi-Namondo, UN Resident Coordinator

“We might have to double down on the gains we have made and maintain or increase them. "