UN Endorses Uganda’s NDP IV, Signs 5-Year Development Agreement

The Minister of State for trade, industry and cooperatives, General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi (left) joins the UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Leonard Zulu (right) to cut a cake during the United Nation 80th anniversary and the launch of UN Uganda sustainable development cooperation framework 2026 to 2030 at Kololo Independence grounds Kampala on 22 Oct 2025. Second left is Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, Maria Hakansson, minister for Local Government, Raphael Magyezi (center) and the Prime minister, Robinah Nabbanja (second right).

HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda’s development blue print, the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) has received an endorsement from the United Nations, terming it a progressive plan that would lead to inclusive development.

This led to the penning of the “UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030,” an agreement aimed at linking NDP IV to the global body’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).

Robinah Nabbanja, the Prime Minister signed on behalf of Uganda, while and Leonard Zulu, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, signed on behalf of his organization.

“The framework builds on Uganda’s steady progress – from achieving medium human development status to meeting two of the three criteria for graduation from the Least Developed Countries category,” said Zulu after the signing ceremony which was held today, 22^nd October 2025 at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, in Kampala.

He said that the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030 aligns squarely with Vision 2040, NDP IV, Agenda 2063, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for Future.”

“This Cooperation Framework focuses on three strategic priorities, which include Transformative and Inclusive Human Development, Sustainable Ecosystems and Climate-smart Growth.

and Integrated, Inclusive, and Rights-based Governance.

“Across these strategic priorities, we will work differently – focusing on catalytic changes that can unlock Uganda’s potential in line with Uganda’s ATMS (Agro-industrialization, Tourism, Mining and mineral resources and Science technology and Innovation),” he said.

He added that their focus will be on Uganda’s transformation through the six transitions for the acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals.

These include food systems, energy, digital connectivity, transformative education, jobs and social protection, and climate and environmental action.

Said Zulu: “On Friday, 24 October 2025, the United Nations marks its eightieth (80th) year since its founding in October 1945. As our organization turns eighty, we are not only marking history but renewing our commitment to the UN Charter,” he said.

He further said that UN@80 is a moment of reflection and hope – to modernize how we work, deepen trust, and deliver greater impact.

Globally, the UN is advancing the ‘Pact for the Future’ to strengthen peace, development, climate action, and digital cooperation.

“Here in Uganda, the UN@80 initiative is already taking shape: from using data and foresight to guide national planning including the Cooperation Framework, to embracing innovation, partnerships, and the quintet of change which are data, digital, foresight, innovation, and behavioral science.”

“This is a reminder that the UN@80 reforms are not abstract – they are happening here, with Uganda as a partner in shaping the UN of the future,” said Zulu, adding that combining UN Day 2025 and the Cooperation Framework launch is more than a delivery milestone but a joint celebration of the spirit that gave birth to the United Nations.

Robinah Nabanja, the prime minister who represented President Yoweri Museveni at the event said that Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) provide the roadmap for Uganda’s leap into modernity.

She further added that Government’s plan is to use the pillars of NDP IV as engines of the ten-fold growth strategy.

Nabbanja added that the Framework that was signed today brings together all actors under one national vision, meaning that Government, citizens, the private sector, civil society, academia and development partners are moving in one direction.

“Development follows the same principle. When everyone works in unison, duplication is avoided, resources are saved, and results come faster,” she said.

Raphael Magezi, the Local Government minister said that over these decades, the UN has stood with Uganda as a trusted partner and partner of choice.