As the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approaches, the world evaluates its progress, with Uganda, under the guidance of UN Resident Coordinator Susan Ngongi Namondo, facing significant challenges. A mid-term review of Uganda's Third National Development Plan, pivotal for SDG implementation, shows only a 17% achievement rate. Factors like a burgeoning population, poverty, and climate change vulnerability exacerbate difficulties, with recent global crises like COVID-19, the Ukraine conflict, and rising living costs derailing progress further.
To realign with SDG targets, Uganda's UN team and government partners emphasize the need for enhanced coordination and inclusive, collaborative approaches. Effective coordination is intricate and context-specific, requiring attention to small yet crucial details at both policy and institutional levels. The existing National Development Plan highlights the importance of inclusive partnerships, a critical factor as traditional development financing dwindles.
Three key strategies are proposed for better development coordination: strong government ownership, robust monitoring and accountability, and inclusive decision-making with diverse partnerships. The government's leadership, exemplified by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and an effective monitoring framework are essential. Additionally, broadening the partnership dialogue to include various stakeholders, aligning with the Uganda Partnership Policy, and ensuring consistency with national policies are crucial for advancing the SDG agenda. This approach aims to foster sustainable and inclusive development in Uganda, contributing to the global effort towards the 2030 SDGs.
This article was originally written by the UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Susan Ngongi Namondo. To learn more about the work of the UN in Uganda visit