On March 9, 2026, Orsolya Székely, the Head of the World Bank’s Dispute Resolution Service (DRS), informed the World Bank’s Executive Directors that the complainants (the Requesters) and the project Borrower (together, the Parties) in relation to a complaint concerning the Uganda: Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate‑Smart Development Project did not agree to participate in dispute resolution.
The case originated from a request submitted to the World Bank’s Inspection Panel on August 29, 2025. On January 23, 2026, the World Bank’s Board of Directors approved the Inspection Panel’s Report and Recommendation to conduct a formal investigation of the project.
Following the Board’s decision, the Head of the DRS offered the complainants and the borrower the opportunity to engage in dispute resolution as an alternative, voluntary process aimed at addressing concerns through dialogue and mutual agreement. To support an informed decision, the DRS conducted meetings in Uganda from February 24 to February 26, 2026, with the Parties and key stakeholders to explain the dispute resolution option and respond to questions.
After these discussions, the parties confirmed that they did not wish to pursue dispute resolution.
As participation in dispute resolution requires the voluntary agreement of both parties, and such agreement was not reached, the matter has been returned to the Inspection Panel, which will now proceed with its investigation.
Case No. 25/05/DRS
