WB and AFD pledge $600m to address Kampala's infrastructure and waste crisis

Funding comes after growing concerns over waste management and poor roads by a deadly landslide in Uganda’s capital

KAMPALA, UGANDA:

The World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) have provided Uganda with over $600 million to improve infrastructure and waste management in the capital, Kampala, the government and World Bank announced on Thursday.

Kampala, which suffers from chronic underfunding, faces significant issues with poor roads and waste management, as evidenced by a recent garbage landslide that killed at least 35 people.

Of the funding, $566 million will come from the World Bank, mostly as credit, while $42.7 million will be provided by the AFD. The World Bank acknowledged the gaps in infrastructure due to rapid urbanisation.

Last year, the World Bank said it would stop lending to Uganda after the east African country passed a harsh anti-gay law.

The World Bank did not immediately respond to Reuters' request via email to explain why it had lifted the ban on assistance.

In the past, Uganda has benefitted from international financial support, including funding from both the World Bank and AFD for various development projects. Prior initiatives included investments in energy, agriculture, and education aimed at boosting economic growth and improving livelihoods in rural areas.