UK backs Uganda’s growth with major investments in infrastructure, clean energy, agriculture and refugees, alongside strengthened partnership on health security
Baroness Chapman, UK Minister for Africa and International Development, has visited Uganda to showcase significant new UK-backed infrastructure, agriculture, and clean energy agreements, break ground on the Amari Power Transmission Project in Mbarara where she saw construction begin at one of four high-voltage electricity substations on Uganda’s grid that will be upgraded thanks to investment from Gridworks, the UK government-backed investor in Africa’s electricity networks. The visit reaffirmed the UK’s long-term commitment to Uganda’s economic growth, health security and refugee response.
During her two-day visit, the Minister met President Museveni where discussions focused on strengthening the UK–Uganda partnership and advancing shared priorities. The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the strong and longstanding relationship between the two countries, covering cooperation on health security, economic growth, investment, regional stability and development. Both sides underscored the importance of continued collaboration to deliver practical solutions that support prosperity, resilience and opportunity for people in Uganda and the UK.
They discussed at length ongoing partnerships including:
A €149 million (~£129m) UK Export Finance (UKEF) facility to roll out solar-powered irrigation systems across Uganda, boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening climate resilience for smallholder farmers, and supporting British exporters.
A €96 million (~£83m) UKEF facility to finance construction of the Kitgum–Kidepo tourism road, improving access to Kidepo National Park, boosting tourism and trade in northern Uganda, and strengthening regional connectivity towards South Sudan.
An investment from British International Investment through Gridworks into the Amari Power Transmission Project, the first independent power transmission project to reach financial close on the African continent.
The Minister engaged stakeholders from the refugee space and convened Government of Uganda and UN partners to discuss sustainable financing for refugee-hosting countries.
The Minister also highlighted how the UK is supporting Uganda’s refugee response. Uganda hosts almost two million refugees under its progressive open-door policy. The UK is mobilising further support, through a new Refugee Support, Empowerment and Transformation (ReSET) programme. This aims to support a locally-owned and sustainable refugee response through prioritised assistance, and coordinated scale-up of self-reliance initiatives for refugees and host communities, and catalytic support to locally-led systems. The Programme aims to reach at least 168,000 individuals over the next three years.
Alongside these investments, the Minister reaffirmed the UK’s partnership with Uganda on global health security. At the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe, she saw first-hand a UK-supported research partnership spanning more than 35 years, such as ongoing work on the Ebola response, and research on other priority areas including HIV, TB and and diabetes. The UK has provided over £2.51 million to Uganda’s current Ebola response, building on more than £20 million invested in previous outbreaks. The UK also funds CEPI – the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations – which works globally with governments and researchers including in Uganda to develop vaccines for preventing diseases like Ebola.
During her visit, Baroness Chapman also met with businesses from the British Chamber of Commerce Uganda, representing 63 UK companies operating across sectors including banking, aviation, energy and infrastructure, reflecting the spread of British investment in Uganda’s economy.
Baroness Chapman said:
“Uganda is one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and a key UK partner. Together we are strengthening that relationship in practical ways. This is modern partnership in action: showing up, building together, and shifting from donor to investor.” At the Uganda Virus Research Institute, I saw Ugandan and British scientists working side by side on research to strengthen the Ebola response – a partnership of 35 years built on Ugandan talent and UK support which is helping protect the whole region.
Dr Monica Musenero, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development said:
“The Amari Power Transmission Project is a landmark moment for Uganda’s energy sector. It is a reflection of Uganda’s seriousness about positioning energy as the industrial foundation and a productive sector that creates Wealth to drive, by hosting the first independent power transmission project on the African continent. The fact this is happening with British investment, is significant, reflecting the strength of our partnership and Uganda’s commitment to clean, affordable energy for all.”
Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of Health, said:
“Uganda values its longstanding partnership with the UK in strengthening our health systems and advancing global health security. The UK’s continued support to Uganda’s Ebola response, disease surveillance, research and innovation has helped enhance our preparedness and response capabilities, protecting lives in Uganda and across the region. The collaboration between Ugandan and British scientists at institutions such as UVRI demonstrates the power of international partnerships in addressing shared health challenges. We welcome Baroness Chapman’s visit as a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to building resilient health systems and ensuring we are better prepared for future public health threats.”
Eng. Richard Matsiko, CEO of Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), said:
“The Amari Power Transmission Project is a significant milestone in the implementation of UETCL’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which seeks to position the transmission network as a catalyst for Uganda’s economic transformation. Our strategy is focused on developing a resilient, efficient, and future-ready grid capable of supporting the country’s growing energy demand, accelerating industrialization, facilitating regional power trade, and enabling the transition to a cleaner energy future.”
Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa, British International Investment said:
“British International Investment is committed to backing transformative, long-term infrastructure that powers economic growth and opportunity in Uganda. Through our support to projects like the Amari Power Transmission Project, we are demonstrating how patient capital can unlock reliable energy, crowd in private investment, and deliver sustainable impact at scale.”
Professor Moffat Nyirenda, Director of the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit said:
“The MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit is proud to be at the forefront of global health research and capacity strengthening in Uganda and the region. For over 35 years, the Unit has contributed evidence that informs policy and supports responses to major health challenges. We are delighted by the UK Government’s sustained investment through the Medical Research Council, which has enabled
Sanjay Rughani, Chairperson, CEO of Standard Charter Bank and Chair of British Chamber of Commerce Uganda, said:
“The UK and Uganda share a partnership built on trust, investment and a common ambition for sustainable growth. What we are witnessing today is the evolution of that relationship from aid to investment, and from transactions to transformation. By combining British capital, expertise and innovation with Uganda’s entrepreneurial drive and growth potential, we are unlocking opportunities that strengthen infrastructure, enhance energy security, advance agricultural transformation and create jobs. These investments send a powerful signal of confidence in Uganda’s future and reinforce the country’s position as an attractive destination for long-term investment. The British Chamber of Commerce Uganda remains committed to deepening trade, investment and business collaboration between our two nations.”
