By David Mwanje
Uganda’s Ramathan Ggoobi, Uganda’s Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury revealed the country’s successful strategy for tackling poverty and inequality during a global discussion on trade and development in Africa and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The event, held in Geneva, was hosted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Geneva Office.
Ggoobi, told the audience of government leaders, diplomats, international organization representatives, and development experts that poverty and inequality are not only unfair but can be addressed through smart social and economic policies. He shared how Uganda has cut poverty from 56.4% in 1992 to just 16.1% today, beating its 2024 target of 18.5%.
So, what’s Uganda’s secret? Ggoobi pointed to two key tools, education and financial inclusion, especially for the country’s large and growing youth population, a common trait across Africa. He explained that Uganda’s Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP), launched in the 1990s, introduced free primary education, healthcare for all, and programs to empower women and people with disabilities. Since 2010, National Development Plans (NDPs) have built on this foundation, reducing the share of households living off subsistence farming from 68% in the 1990s to 33% today.
A standout initiative is the Parish Development Model (PDM), which delivers $300 grants to households that banks typically overlook. By September 15, 2025, 3.2 million households about a quarter of Uganda’s total had received these funds to start small agribusinesses. This program, Ggoobi said, is part of a broader push to create wealth at the grassroots level.
Uganda is also rolling out programs like the Youth Livelihood Programme, Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme, and grants for the elderly and people with disabilities. Another effort, called Emyooga, helps communities form savings and lending groups to boost local businesses.
The Geneva dialogue focused on the challenges African nations and LDCs face in reducing poverty while expanding trade. Participants shared ideas on policies to promote inclusive growth, from supporting small businesses to improving access to markets. Ggoobi emphasized that Uganda’s approach combining government funds with programs that empower everyday people—offers a model for others.
For businesses looking at Africa, Uganda’s progress signals opportunity. By investing in its people, the country is not just fighting poverty but building a foundation for future trade and growth, one household at a time.
