KAMPALA — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has announced plans to strengthen its cooperation with Uganda through a new 2026–2030 Country Strategy aimed at supporting national priorities in peace and security, economic cooperation, health and agriculture.
The proposed strategy was discussed during separate meetings between IGAD Head of Mission to Uganda Ms Joselyn Bigirwa and senior Ugandan government officials, including Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo and Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Hon. Sam Engola.
During her meeting with Minister Kasolo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, Bigirwa briefed the minister on IGAD’s revised approach to engagement with member states, which shifts from broad regional programmes to more targeted bilateral cooperation.
She said the new Uganda Country Strategy will be aligned with Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and implemented in partnership with relevant ministries, departments and agencies.
The strategy will focus on key areas including regional peace and security, economic integration, health, agriculture and sustainable development. Bigirwa noted that IGAD coordinates its engagement with Uganda through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly on issues related to regional peace and security.
She also emphasised the importance of member states meeting their assessed financial contributions to IGAD, saying timely payments are critical for the regional body to effectively execute its mandate.
In response, Minister Kasolo reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to IGAD and welcomed the proposed country strategy, saying stronger collaboration between the regional bloc and Ugandan institutions would help advance regional integration, peace, stability and socio-economic development.
The discussions come as IGAD continues to expand its interventions across the region, including initiatives addressing conflict prevention, climate resilience, humanitarian response and economic cooperation among member states.
Later, Bigirwa and her delegation held a courtesy meeting with Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Hon. Sam Engola, where they discussed IGAD’s ongoing programmes in Uganda.
Engola commended IGAD for its support towards strengthening Uganda’s disaster preparedness systems, particularly the development of the Multi-Hazard Integrated Early Warning System and the Uganda Anticipatory Action Roadmap, which were recently launched.
The minister said the initiatives will enhance Uganda’s ability to anticipate, prepare for and respond to disasters by improving early warning mechanisms and coordinated action.
IGAD, a regional organisation comprising countries in the Horn of Africa and surrounding region, works on issues including peace and security, food security, climate adaptation, economic integration and humanitarian affairs.
The renewed engagement with Uganda is expected to provide a framework for closer cooperation between IGAD and government institutions as the country pursues its development priorities while contributing to regional stability.