1. Macroeconomic outlook. The economy is recovering from shocks induced by the war in Ukraine and the Ebola outbreak, which affected tourism. Robust industrial activity and services have supported growth while unfavorable weather conditions for agriculture have improved. Inflation appears to have peaked. Thanks to a strong public health effort, the recent Ebola outbreak was declared concluded in January. The growth outlook is slightly more favorable in the near-term relative to the combined 2nd and 3rd reviews, while the end-2023 and FY23/24 inflation projections have been marked down. The current account deficit remains elevated and external financial conditions continue to be tight, reflecting the uncertain outlook for global financial conditions and risk sentiment. The global financial market turmoil that began in March could further tighten external financial conditions if it persists, and the conflict in Sudan could hurt exports and exert further pressure on the balance of payments.
This paper on Uganda discusses Central Bank Transparency Code Review. The Bank of Uganda (BOU) is implementing transparency practices that are broadly aligned with the good practices for central banks. The BOU continues to improve communication of its monetary policy framework in a transparent manner, but there is room to enhance transparency by disclosing policy deliberations. The BOU has improved macroprudential policies and the analytical framework aimed at mitigating systemic risks, but decisions leading to macroprudential actions are not explained. The anti-corruption legal framework in Uganda applies to the BOU, however no details are disclosed in the public domain as to how it is applied and enforced with respect to the BOU. The BOU should consider compiling and developing a policy on confidentiality that includes the reasons underlying the choices it has made on disclosure or nondisclosure. The mission found that BOU’s transparency practices largely conform to various dimensions of transparency as information is disseminated through several channels.