Finance Minister Kasaija Meets IFAD President Alvaro Lario in Rome

Rome, Italy — Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, has met the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Mr Alvaro Lario, in Rome, Italy, to discuss continued cooperation aimed at improving rural livelihoods and strengthening agricultural transformation in Uganda.

During the meeting, Minister Kasaija expressed appreciation to IFAD for the long-standing support Uganda has received through both loans and grants, noting that the partnership has significantly contributed to rural development and poverty reduction efforts.

Kasaija specifically highlighted IFAD’s USD 100 million financing approved in December 2025 to support the expansion of the National Oil Palm Project (NOPP) into new districts in Busoga Sub-region in Eastern Uganda.

The Minister said the oil palm expansion is expected to boost household incomes, strengthen agro-industrial development, and improve livelihoods through commercial agriculture.

Uganda-IFAD Partnership Since 1981

Uganda and IFAD have partnered since 1981, implementing 19 development projects with a total IFAD financing amounting to USD 659.3 million.

IFAD’s development focus is largely centred on increasing the incomes of rural households living in poverty, improving food security, and reducing vulnerability among farming communities.

Current Strategic Cooperation Framework

The two parties are currently implementing the 2021–2027 Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP), which was jointly formulated and aligned to Uganda’s National Development Plans, IFAD corporate priorities, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

Ongoing IFAD-Supported Projects in Uganda

Uganda and IFAD are currently implementing several key public sector projects, including: National Oilseeds Project (NOSP) (2019–2028), financed with USD 99.56 million from IFAD, National Oil Palm Project (NOPP) (2018–2029), financed with USD 77 million from IFAD and Resilient Livestock Value Chain Project (ReLIV) (2024–2033), financed with USD 99.57 million from IFAD.

IFAD Pledges Continued Support

During the engagement, IFAD President Alvaro Lario reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to continue supporting Uganda’s agricultural development agenda.

He also urged the implementing agency, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), to fast-track implementation of the ongoing projects to ensure timely delivery of expected results for farmers and rural communities.

The meeting comes as Uganda continues to scale up investments in agriculture as a key pillar for job creation, wealth generation and inclusive economic growth.