80003 The Republic of Uganda Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) Progress Report Chair Summary ∗ Meeting of the Executive Directors August 1, 2013 Directors welcomed the opportunity to discuss the joint IDA/IFC/MIGA Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) Progress Report for Uganda (IDA/R2013-0195[IFC/R2013-0271; MIGA/R2013-0065]). Directors agreed that the CAS focus on structural transformation through accelerating inclusive and sustainable growth, developing infrastructure, improving human development, and strengthening governance remains appropriate and is aligned with the National Development Plan and the recently-announced Uganda Vision 2040. Directors welcomed key adjustments to the CAS program to reflect lessons emerging from recent governance and development challenges. Directors recognized that adjustments to the CAS program would help contribute to eradicating extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity. Directors welcomed the Government's efforts to consolidate programs and the World Bank Group (WBG) focus on achieving transformative results within its areas of comparative advantage. They supported a shift in the mix of lending instruments and increased selectivity in the use of development policy lending. Directors welcomed the emphasis on transformational projects to address bottlenecks in growth and help achieve CAS outcomes in the energy, transport, and social sectors. They encouraged a greater focus on agriculture, building on lessons learned to deliver results. Directors emphasized the need to accelerate implementation and advance governance reforms alongside adjustments to the CAS program. They reiterated the importance of public financial management and fiduciary efforts, including transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, and accountability in service delivery. They also noted the importance of effective governance of oil resources. Directors encouraged the Ugandan authorities to implement anti-corruption and governance measures and communicate the results to stakeholders. They appreciated the broadening of the WBG program to improve governance through engagement with non-state actors and civil society. Directors also highlighted the importance of institutional capacity building and knowledge exchange in the WBG engagement. Directors welcomed coordinated efforts of the Bank, IFC and MIGA to increase development impact with careful monitoring of results. They welcomed WBG efforts to foster regional integration and to help bring stability and peace to the Great Lakes Region. Directors acknowledged that the Government – in close partnership with donors – has made progress in implementing the High-Level Action Matrix, and urged the Government to sustain coordination among the WBG and donors, particularly to address corruption and governance challenges. ∗ This summary is not an approved record.