Uganda bids farewell to World Bank Country Manager Mukami Kariuki

The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Ramathan Ggoobi, last evening paid tribute to outgoing World Bank Country Manager Ms. Mukami Kariuki for her outstanding service in supporting Uganda’s development agenda.

Speaking at a farewell dinner hosted by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) at the Kampala Serena Hotel at the weekend, Ggoobi praised Ms. Kariuki for her professionalism, dedication, and open engagement, which he said strengthened Uganda’s partnership with the World Bank.

“I want to appreciate you very heartily for the support you have rendered to the Ministry,” Ggoobi said. “Your professionalism, dedication, and openness to dialogue have set a commendable standard for our continued collaboration with the Bank.”

Ggoobi highlighted that during Kariuki’s tenure, Uganda and the World Bank signed projects—both grants and loans—amounting to USD 2.251 billion, supporting key sectors such as infrastructure (roads and energy), education, livelihoods, and agriculture.

He noted that beyond mobilizing resources, Kariuki’s leadership contributed to a marked improvement in the performance and implementation of World Bank–funded projects, addressing longstanding challenges that had slowed project delivery in the past.

A Lasting Partnership

The Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, also commended Ms. Kariuki, describing her as a passionate and dedicated development partner who “had Uganda at heart” and was instrumental in pushing forward World Bank programs in the country.

Under her leadership, Uganda strengthened its portfolio performance and deepened its engagement with the World Bank Group, one of the country’s largest development partners. The Bank has provided sustained financial and technical support across multiple sectors aimed at reducing poverty and fostering inclusive growth.

A Message of Prudence and Innovation

In her farewell remarks, Mukami Kariuki thanked the Government of Uganda for organizing the dinner in her honor and acknowledged the strength of the partnership between the Bank and the country.

She called on government institutions to adopt more innovative and efficient approaches to public investment, noting that the availability of development financing may become increasingly constrained in the future.

“There’s a need to maximize the impact of every dollar,” she said, urging greater efficiency in project implementation.

Kariuki also praised Uganda’s commitment to hosting and supporting refugees, calling it a commendable policy that has earned international recognition.

As she departs, Ms. Kariuki leaves behind a legacy of strengthened cooperation and a more streamlined World Bank project portfolio in Uganda—foundations that her successor is expected to build upon in the years ahead.