Uganda’s ambition to achieve tenfold economic growth over the next decade and a half will require bold, creative strategies far beyond traditional development models, according to Professor Jonathan Leape, Executive Director of the International Growth Centre (IGC).
Speaking during a recent roundtable at Makerere University, Prof Leape warned that Uganda must rethink its growth path in the face of declining aid, uncertain global trade conditions, and the urgent need to adapt to climate change. "We must be nimble, creative, and increasingly self-reliant," he said. "The challenges of today demand a completely fresh approach to development."
Prof Leape highlighted the need for stronger investment in technology, innovation, and data-driven decision-making, particularly in the public sector. By embracing digital tools and artificial intelligence, he argued, Uganda can accelerate service delivery, improve policy planning, and unlock productivity across various sectors.
The country’s growing service sector presents significant opportunity, particularly in areas such as tourism, professional services, and the creative economy. Leape urged the government and private sector to prioritize export diversification, arguing that services not just goods can drive the next wave of economic transformation.
At the core of Uganda’s long-term success, he emphasized, is evidence-based policy. Strengthening local research institutions and deepening collaborations between universities, think tanks, and international bodies will ensure that policy is both informed and relevant. Makerere University and the Economic Policy Research Centre were highlighted as key players in this vision.
While innovation and agility are crucial, Leape underscored the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability. He warned that fiscal discipline, effective monetary policy, and regulatory reform must remain central to Uganda’s growth strategy even as the country takes calculated risks to expand its economic base.
“We’re at a moment where doing more of the same won’t work,” Prof Leape concluded. “Uganda has the ambition, the energy, and the potential. But to achieve tenfold growth, the country must invest in knowledge, nurture talent, and think beyond conventional models.”
His remarks come at a time when policymakers are re-evaluating Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV, both of which set ambitious goals for socio-economic transformation. As the country approaches a critical crossroads, voices like Prof Leape’s are serving as a reminder that growth is not just about numbers it’s about vision, resilience, and smart execution.