World Bank and AFD Pledge Over $600 Million for Kampala Infrastructure

The World Bank and French Development Agency (AFD) have allocated over $600 million to improve infrastructure and waste management in Kampala, Uganda. This funding addresses chronic underfunding and recent disasters like the landfill landslide that killed 35 people. The decision follows the World Bank's prior cut-off of funding over Uganda's anti-gay laws.

The World Bank and French Development Agency (AFD) have allocated over $600 million to improve infrastructure and waste management in Kampala, Uganda, the organizations announced on Thursday.

The funding comes in response to long-standing issues with waste management and poor road conditions in the capital, compounded by chronic underfunding from the central government. A recent garbage landslide at a landfill site killed 35 people, exacerbating concerns.

In total, $566 million will be provided by the World Bank, while $42.7 million will come from AFD. The World Bank had previously halted lending to Uganda over its anti-gay laws, but declined to comment to Reuters on why the funding ban was lifted.

(With inputs from agencies.)