Supporting Job Creation and Competitiveness in Uganda

PMCG, as part of a consortium led by IBF, has secured an EU-funded project titled “Study on the Job Creation Potential and Competitiveness of Uganda’s Local Construction Industry: Boosting the Implementation of Global Gateway in Uganda.”

Uganda has launched an ambitious nationwide effort to transform its Local Construction Industry (LCI). In particular, the initiative seeks to unlock the sector’s potential for job creation and competitiveness. At the same time, it aims to increase local participation in large infrastructure projects. The study forms part of the EU Global Gateway initiative. As a result, it will deliver an evidence-based National Strategic Programme to improve LCI performance.

Scope and Analytical Approach

The project conducts a broad assessment of Uganda’s Local Construction Industry. First, the team will examine legal and regulatory frameworks. In addition, it will review institutional, financial, market, skills, and supply-chain factors. This work will rely on extensive data collection. Specifically, the team will gather inputs from government bodies, private firms, and development partners.

Furthermore, experts will develop and pilot an LCI Competitiveness Index. The team will benchmark at least ten Ugandan projects against regional and international peers. Meanwhile, stakeholder workshops will validate findings and strengthen consensus.

Strategic Outputs and Implementation

The assignment also includes forecasting future demand for construction services. Based on these projections, the team will identify priority reforms and investments. Subsequently, it will design a fully costed National Strategic Programme for Performance Improvement. This programme will include a clear Strategic Implementation Plan.

Through this process, Uganda will obtain its first comprehensive framework dedicated to strengthening local construction competitiveness.

Expected Impact

The study aims to expand opportunities for local firms in major infrastructure projects. Consequently, it should support job creation and skills development. In particular, youth and women are expected to benefit. The project also seeks to improve regulatory and institutional conditions. Moreover, it will strengthen financial resilience and ease access to finance for domestic companies.

By doing so, the initiative should improve the quality, speed, and cost-effectiveness of infrastructure delivery. As a result, Uganda is likely to retain a higher share of value from public and donor-funded investments. Ultimately, the project will position the construction sector to benefit from the EU Global Gateway pipeline and support inclusive, sustainable economic growth.