World Bank-Backed PIM-PLUS Initiative Rolls Out with USD 20m Injection into Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities joined the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development at Kampala Serena Hotel for the official launch of the Uganda Strengthening Public Investment and Asset Management for Growth and Resilience (PIM-PLUS) Operation, a flagship reform programme designed to transform the country’s public investment landscape.

The event was presided over by the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities among the key Government officials in attendance.

Anchored under the theme “Powering Performance through the PIM+”, the Operation is a World Bank-supported, results-based initiative worth USD 200 million, to be implemented over five years (FY 2026/27 – FY 2030/31). The programme seeks to strengthen Government’s ability to plan, execute and manage public investments and assets across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Tourism will receive USD 20 million under the PIM-PLUS portfolio, channelled toward four strategic projects aimed at boosting the sector’s competitiveness and long-term contribution to national growth. These include:

1. Development of tourism infrastructure at Equator Points in Kayabwe, Nfo Island, Kayinja–Ntara and Ntuusi;

2. Completion of the Uganda Museum redevelopment project;

3. Completion of the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI);

4. Establishment of tourist roadside stopover points along key travel corridors.

According to the Finance Ministry, these interventions will play a central role in accelerating Uganda’s ten-fold economic growth strategy, which targets expanding the national GDP from USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040. Tourism, recognised as one of the country’s Anchor Transformational Sectors (ATMS), is expected to raise its foreign exchange earnings to USD 50 billion over the same period.

The high-level launch brought together Government officials, Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations and Academia. It marked the start of implementation of key PIM-PLUS activities across MDAs while reaffirming Government’s commitment to strengthening Public Finance Management reforms and improving investment outcomes.

The Ministry of Tourism team at the launch included the Assistant Commissioner for Finance and Planning, the Senior M&E Officer, and the Statistician, reflecting the Ministry’s strong commitment to ensuring effective utilisation of resources allocated under the programme.

The PIM-PLUS Operation is expected to greatly accelerate Uganda’s public investment performance, enhance transparency and efficiency, and unlock long-term socio-economic gains for the country