This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
On July 5, 2020, the World Bank approved a $300 million budget to support Uganda's efforts in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.
The funds will be used to boost the government's capacity to prevent, detect, and treat the virus, protect vulnerable populations, and support economic recovery.
Uganda's economy has been severely impacted by the pandemic, with the country's efforts to contain the spread of the virus likely to send an additional 3.15 million citizens into poverty.
Already, approximately 8.7 million Ugandans live below the poverty line of less than two dollars a day.
According to Tony Thompson, World Bank Country Manager for Uganda, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy and livelihoods, and this budget support operation will enable the government to provide vital services and social safety nets.
The pandemic, combined with flooding and a locust invasion, has dimmed Uganda's projected overall economic growth to a low 3-4 percent in the financial year 2020/2021, down from an earlier projected 6.3 percent.
