The Rt Hon Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja while opening the Third SDG Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo on 19^th June 2024.

Uganda’s Third SDGs Conference 2024 and Dissemination of the Local Government Management of Service Delivery Report 2023

The 3rd Annual Sustainable Development Conference and Dissemination of the Local Government Management of Service Delivery Report 2024, held on June 19-20 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, brought together key stakeholders from Uganda’s government, Local Government Leaders, civil society, private sector, and international partners. Under the theme “Strengthening SDG Localization and Service Delivery Mechanisms for National Development,” the conference focused on Uganda’s progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the context of the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the midterm review of the 2030 Agenda.

The conference was opened by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who emphasized Uganda’s commitment to achieving the SDGs and highlighted the role of the PDM in promoting local economic development. The PDM aims to transition 39% of Ugandans from subsistence to a money economy by leveraging local resources and community-driven development initiatives. This model is seen as a key driver for achieving inclusive growth and reducing poverty.

Participants during the Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo on 19^th June 2024.

Dr. Albert Byamugisha, Head of the SDG Secretariat, presented Uganda’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) report which provided an overview of the country’s progress towards the SDGs. He noted that while Uganda has made significant strides in certain areas, challenges remain, particularly in areas such as climate adaptation, social inclusion, and economic diversification. The report highlighted that 26.1% of Uganda’s SDG targets are on track, with 54.2% showing limited progress and 19.7% stagnating. The VNR emphasized the need for a renewed focus on data utilization, innovative financing, and multi-sectoral collaboration to accelerate progress. Uganda has made significant progress in integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its national development planning frameworks, particularly through the Vision 2040 and the National Development Plans (NDPs). The country’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR) report highlights these achievements, especially in areas like poverty reduction, health, education, and infrastructure. Uganda’s coordination framework for SDG implementation, established under the Office of the Prime Minister, has been instrumental in this progress, with increased stakeholder engagement, improved monitoring, and a growing number of indicators with data points. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including gaps in institutionalization, limited financial resources, and the impacts of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving forward, Uganda will focus on accelerating SDG implementation through initiatives like the Parish Development Model, inclusive economic and social development, and enhanced partnerships, all aimed at ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards 2030.

H.E the President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Musveni while addressing and closing the Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo on 20^th June 2024.

Another key feature of the conference was the dissemination of the Local Government Management of Service Delivery (LGMSD) Performance Assessment Report. This report evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of local governments in delivering services, with a particular focus on sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure. The conference was closed by the President of the Republic of Uganda His Excellency Yoweri K. Museveni, who reiterated Uganda’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and called for increased efforts to mobilize resources and build partnerships for sustainable development. He launched key reports, including Uganda’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report, National Leave No One Behind Assessment Report and the LGSMD Report 2023 and approved the VNR video that was later presented at the High Level Political Forum in New York in July 2024.

H.E. The President of the Republic of Uganda while launching Uganda’s Third Voluntary National Review Report and the Leave No One Behind Report 2024 at Speke Resort Munyonyo on 20^th June 2024.

The SDG Conference featured a number of side events which included;