PND IV Formulation Nears Completion: NPA The National Planning Association (NPA) has announced that the formulation of the Fourth National Plan for Development (PND IV) is nearing its finalization. The PND IV will outline the government’s socio-economic development agenda for the period 2023-2028. According to the NPA, the PND IV has been developed through a consultative process involving various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector. The plan incorporates lessons learned from previous development plans and aligns with the country’s international commitments, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. The PND IV is expected to focus on the following key areas: * Economic Development: Promoting economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction * Social Development: Investing in education, healthcare, and social protection * Environmental Sustainability: Protecting the environment, mitigating climate change, and ensuring sustainable resource management * Good Governance: Strengthening democratic institutions, promoting transparency, and combating corruption The NPA has stated that the finalization of the PND IV is a crucial milestone in the country’s development planning process. The plan will provide a roadmap for achieving the government’s development goals and ensuring a brighter future for all citizens. The announcement has been received with optimism by various sectors of society. The private sector has expressed its support for the government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for business and investment. Civil society organizations have welcomed the focus on social development and environmental sustainability. The PND IV is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval in the coming weeks. Once approved, the plan will guide the government’s development policies and programs for the next five years.Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDPIV) is nearing completion, with implementation expected to commence within the next year, according to officials from the National Planning Authority (NPA).Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDPIV) is nearing completion, with implementation expected to commence within the next year, according to officials from the National Planning Authority (NPA). The plan prioritizes key projects, including the 2027 AFCON games to be co-hosted by Uganda and Kenya. Vincent Operemo, Strategic Planning Manager at the NPA, emphasized the economic benefits of the games, particularly in the hospitality, food, and service sectors. Industrial parks, science and technology innovation, development of the Kampala metropolitan area, and value addition are additional focus areas of NDPIV. The plan is slated for completion in December, before the expiration of the current plan, NDPIII, in 2025. Operemo addressed members of the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association during the ongoing dialogue on the budget for the financial year 2024/25, sharing insights on the plan’s objectives and implementation timeline.The National Planning Authority (NPA) is in the final stages of formulating the Fourth National Development Plan (PND IV). The plan will guide Uganda’s development for the next five years, from 2021/22 to 2025/26. The NPA Executive Director, Dr Joseph Muvawala, said the plan is being finalized following extensive consultations with stakeholders across the country. “We have held a series of consultations with government agencies, private sector, civil society organizations, academia, and the general public,” Dr Muvawala said. He said the plan will focus on addressing key development challenges, including poverty, unemployment, inequality, and climate change. “The plan will also focus on promoting economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability,” Dr Muvawala said. The PND IV is expected to be launched in June 2021.