The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has signed three major concession agreements with private investors with an aim to develop and manage high-end tourism infrastructure in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley national parks.

The signing ceremony, held at Protea Hotel in Kampala, was presided over by the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka.

The agreements were signed by Professor James Kalema, Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, along with investor representatives Epic Kagoro, Patricia Akakunda, and Paul Zhang Zhigang.

The three investors pledged to meet all concession requirements and complete the developments within four to five years. The projects represent a total direct investment of USD 28.5 million into Uganda’s tourism sector.

Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka expressed optimism about the impact of these investments. “This is a strategic moment for Uganda’s tourism sector. These projects will not only improve the quality of our protected areas but also generate revenue and create meaningful jobs for our people,” he stated.

Professor Kalema, Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, welcomed the investors and emphasized the need for environmental diligence.

“We are excited to work with investors who not only bring business acumen but also ecological integrity. All lodge site developments will be subject to rigorous Environmental Impact Assessments conducted by qualified professionals and that all developments take into account the sensitivity of the ecosystems in which they operate,” he said.

UWA Executive Director Sam Mwandha reaffirmed UWA’s commitment to balancing conservation and development.

“We are deliberate about choosing partners who align with our conservation goals. These investments were rigorously reviewed and will be closely monitored to ensure they deliver value to both wildlife protection and the national economy,” he stated.

The agreements include three distinct projects aimed at elevating Uganda’s tourism offerings:

Kagobed Holdings Ltd – The company will redevelop and operate Jacana Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park under the Serena Hotels brand. The USD 7 million investments will establish an upscale facility featuring accommodation, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure, a helipad, a health club and other modern amenities.

Tian Tang Group – The investor will develop a Glass Bridge and a 50-seater restaurant at the Top of the Falls in Murchison Falls National Park. With an investment of USD 20 million, this project aims to offer a world-class tourism experience and promote Uganda as a leading adventure destination.

Russell Hall Ltd – A Ugandan-owned Hospitality Company will construct a USD 1.5 million luxury lodge in Kidepo Valley National Park. The lodge will be managed in partnership with the French hotel brand TUI Blue, ensuring international standards of comfort and service.

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This month, great news hailing from Durban, South Africa where a study was conducted with the intention to find a cure for the HIV virus that has plagued the nation for centuries. The test that was carried out on a select number of individuals (both male and female) produced promising results that were declared in San Francisco, United States of America at the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI.)

Known as the ‘combination immunotherapy,’ the trial aimed at erasing or reducing all traces of the HIV virus by administering strong immunity boosters that allowed the body’s immunity system to keep the virus in check, without the subject having to rely mainly on medication for the rest of their lives. The results showed promising results after 20% of the subjects remained off antiretroviral therapy even one and half years later after the trial.

 “While this treatment approach didn’t work for most participants, it is still a significant development in HIV cure research. Studying how the 20% managed to control the virus on their own will help scientists develop better HIV cure strategies, as well as work out ways to improve future treatments,” said Professor Thumbi Ndung’u, director for basic & translational science at Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) and a professor and Victor Daitz Chair at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

This progress comes shortly after the Country’s recently released plan to put an additional 1.1 million South Africans living with HIV on life-saving treatment by the end of 2025. The discovery of a potential cure to the HIV virus will not only speed up the eradication of HIV and AIDs not only in South Africa but the whole of Africa aswell. With these new results from the trial Doctors believe that in the near future an Aids vaccine will be readily available on the market.

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Renowned for its academic excellence, holistic development, and innovative teaching methods, DPS offers a dynamic learning environment that nurtures students to explore, grow, and succeed.

With a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster intellectual curiosity and creativity, DPS welcomes students from Nursery to Class XII, ensuring a seamless and well-rounded educational journey. The school emphasizes both academic achievement and character development, integrating interactive learning approaches, extracurricular activities, and leadership programs to shape well-rounded individuals.

“At DPS, we believe in nurturing young minds through a balanced education that blends academic rigor with creativity and personal growth. Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to excel in a rapidly evolving world,” announced the school administration.

The admission process is currently ongoing for the academic year, which runs from May to March. Parents seeking a high-quality education in a supportive and innovative environment are encouraged to apply early.

For further details on enrollment procedures, interested parents can reach out to the admissions office via: Phone: +256 759 711 190 | +256 759 711 146, Email: admissions@dpsuganda.com, Website: www.dpsuganda.com. Location: Plot 17-25 Saddler Way, Naguru, Kampala, Uganda

As one of the leading international schools in Uganda, Delhi Public School International remains committed to shaping the leaders of tomorrow through a balanced, engaging and enriching academic experience.

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The 6th Annual Higher Education Conference, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), was highly insightful and held great promise for positive outcomes. The conference highlighted the importance of AI in shaping the future of education in Uganda.

The Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, also commended the NCHE for hosting the conference and emphasized the importance of ensuring AI remains a tool for progress while upholding essential human values.

“I commend the NCHE for convening the 6th Annual Higher Education Conference. This timely discussion on Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education challenges us to ensure AI enhances, rather than replaces, essential human values. Our young people need to understand that they have a responsibility to uphold the values that humanity holds dear,” she said.

She added that AI should never compromise the fundamentals of learning—critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving. Noting, “Higher education must jealously guard these virtues while ensuring AI remains a tool for real-world impact and community transformation.”

She further highlighted the launch of the Transformative Technology Education Initiative by Deborah Impact Projects Africa in partnership with OAFLAD.

“This initiative will equip over 200,000 youth with digital skills and cybersecurity training, creating pathways to global job opportunities,” she said.

She added, “We now stand at a defining moment in history. Let us not be misused to destroy what we have built but instead work toward a future of unity and prosperity. I urge our young people to uphold peace and development.”

Dr. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, expressed his gratitude to the First Lady and Minister of Education & Sports for championing the adoption and integration of AI in higher education.

“I sincerely thank you, First Lady and Minister of Education & Sports, for championing the adoption and integration of AI in higher education. As Vice Chancellors, we are deeply grateful and even more motivated to work harder and smarter to deliver an education that benefits all Ugandans.”

He also extended his appreciation to the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) for organizing such an impactful event.

“I would also like to once again thank the NCHE for organizing this important conference.”

The event brought together some of Uganda’s most esteemed academic leaders, including Dr. Muganga and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. Dr. Muganga took a moment to celebrate the contributions of Prof. Nawangwe, acknowledging his enduring dedication to higher education in Uganda. He described meeting his esteemed colleague as one of the highlights of the conference.

“One of the highlights was meeting my Vice Chancellor and esteemed colleague, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, a man whose dedication to higher education in Uganda is truly inspiring. His leadership continues to keep Makerere, my beloved alma mater, among the best institutions in Africa,” Dr. Muganga remarked.

In his heartfelt tribute, Dr. Muganga lauded Prof. Nawangwe’s leadership, crediting him for shaping Makerere University into a leading institution on the continent. Despite now serving as the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, Dr. Muganga affirmed his lasting connection to Makerere University.

“I want to take this moment to celebrate Prof. Nawangwe for his remarkable service and express my sincere gratefulness for his tireless efforts in shaping Makerere University and contributing to our country’s education sector. Although I now serve as the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, I will always consider him my Vice Chancellor because Makerere University will forever hold a special place in my heart,” he added.

The event provided a platform for higher education stakeholders to discuss the future of academia in Uganda, with key leaders like Prof. Nawangwe and Dr. Muganga playing crucial roles in the discourse. Dr. Muganga concluded his tribute with a heartfelt message to the Makerere University fraternity.

“May God bless all the gallant men and women of Makerere University.”

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The German Minister of State for Economic Cooperation and Development, Niels Annen, visited Uganda from March 20th to 21st, reaffirming Germany’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s refugee response and development efforts.

His visit highlighted the shared responsibility of both Germany and Uganda in providing refuge to people fleeing conflict and violence, with Uganda hosting 1.8 million refugees and Germany accommodating 2.7 million.

During his visit, Minister Annen commended Uganda’s inclusive refugee policy which integrates refugees into host communities.

“As the biggest host country on the African continent, Uganda offers refuge to persons from various crises-torn regions. This is a remarkable accomplishment that deserves our full recognition, in particular as Uganda fosters the integration of refugees in the host communities,” he stated.

However, the Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by host communities, many of whom struggle with limited access to food, clean water and electricity.

“Germany supports Uganda’s efforts to provide for the many refugees as well as the host communities because we are persuaded that peace and social cohesion can only be guaranteed with this dual approach,” he added.

Minister Annen held discussions with Uganda’s Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hilary Onek as well as officials from the United Nations, focusing on Uganda’s refugee policy and the challenges posed by regional conflicts.

He also visited the Kiryandongo refugee settlement where he engaged with refugees and inspected German-supported projects aimed at improving water supply and livelihood opportunities.

The mission confirmed that these projects benefit not only Sudanese new arrivals and long-term South Sudanese refugees but also local Ugandan communities. Germany remains a key partner in Uganda’s refugee response, working closely with UN organizations such as the UNHCR and WFP, which play a crucial role in providing aid to the most vulnerable.

“Globally, Germany is the second biggest contributor to UNHCR and WFP. With its bilateral development cooperation and through NGOs, Germany has contributed more than UGX 580 billion (USD 155 million) to refugees and host communities in Uganda,” the Minister emphasized.

The visit expresses Germany’s long-standing partnership with Uganda which has spanned over 60 years reinforcing Germany’s commitment to sustainable development and humanitarian support in the country.

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Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited (SUHL), the parent company of Stanbic Bank Uganda, SBG Securities, Stanbic Business Incubator, Stanbic Properties, and FlyHub, has announced strong financial results for 2024, with profit after tax (PAT) rising to Shs 478 billion.

The announcement was made at a press conference attended by top management, clients, and stakeholders, including Francis Karuhanga, SUHL’s Chief Executive, and Ronald Makata, the Chief Finance and Value Management Officer.

Despite the challenges posed by a volatile global economy, Stanbic Uganda showcased its resilience, with impressive revenue and asset growth. “We are pleased with the results achieved in 2024, especially considering the challenging global environment,” said Karuhanga. “Key drivers of the local economy were stable, supported by prudent fiscal and monetary policies. Despite an evolving competitive landscape, including the rise of fintechs, we stayed focused on our strategic goals, executing with discipline and adaptability.”

Financial Performance Highlights

Stanbic Uganda delivered exceptional results across key financial metrics. Total revenue reached Shs 1.3 trillion, reflecting an 11.8% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).

“Our ability to manage costs efficiently was central to our performance,” noted Ronald Makata, SUHL’s CFO. “We maintained operating expenses at Shs 612 billion, delivering a robust cost-to-income ratio of 47.2%, which enabled us to achieve a PAT of Shs 478 billion—an increase of 16.2% over the previous year.”

Deposits grew by 12.2%, reaching Shs 7.1 trillion, while loans and advances rose by 3.5%, maintaining a solid 19.5% market share, totalling Shs 4.4 trillion. The bank’s non-interest revenue also grew by 10.8%, driven by higher client transaction volumes, underlining Stanbic Uganda’s strong position in the market.

In recognition of this stellar performance, Stanbic Uganda has recommended a total dividend of Shs 300 billion for the 2024 financial year. This includes Shs 140 billion already paid as interim dividends in mid-2024, with the remaining Shs 160 billion to be paid subject to shareholder approval. This represents a solid 7.1% annual growth in dividends, underscoring the bank’s commitment to delivering value to its shareholders.

Driving Uganda’s growth

In 2024, Stanbic Uganda paid Shs 427.8 billion in taxes, surpassing the Shs 355 billion paid in 2023. This significant payment reinforces the entity’s role as the leading taxpayer in the financial services sector, while also assisting Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in collecting over Shs 10 trillion, up from Shs 8 trillion in 2023. This contribution cements Stanbic Uganda’s purpose of driving Uganda’s growth through supporting the domestic revenue mobilisation efforts to support the country’s fiscal plans.

Shs 454 Billion in Agriculture including Shs 170 billion to farmer saccos. Since its launch during the COVID-19 pandemic, Stanbic Uganda’s Economic Enterprise Restart Fund (EERF) has provided crucial credit and capacity building support to smallholder farmers through their SACCOs at low interest rates of 10% for those in agriculture, and 12.5% for those in general economic activities. In 2024, over Shs 96 billion was invested in nearly 7,000 SACCOs, increasing the total investment to Shs Shs 170 billion since 2022. This funding has directly benefited over 2.6 million members, helping farmers access affordable loans and empowering Uganda’s agricultural sector.

Shs 173 billion in low-Interest loans for women entrepreneurs via Stanbic4Her: Stanbic4Her, our flagship programme for women-owned enterprises, reached a major milestone in 2024, lending Shs 94 billion to 6,700 women entrepreneurs—an increase of 54.5% from the previous year, and Shs s 173 billion since it was launched in March 2022. This initiative provides women with affordable credit at 15.5% interest, helping them scale their businesses. In addition, over 3,400 women received business management and financial literacy training, fostering sustainable growth and empowering women across Uganda.

Shs 973 Billion in credit to SMEs including Shs 76 billion through Stanbic Business Incubator: The Stanbic Business Incubator supported over 3,000 enterprises in 2024, enabling them to access Shs 76 billion in credit, up from Shs 51 billion in 2023. On average, each supported business created seven new jobs, contributing significantly to employment generation and livelihood improvement. The incubator continued to support formalisation as a way of enhancing access to finance. In 2024, 43% of supported businesses were assisted to get registered with URSB.

Looking ahead, Karuhanga said, Stanbic Uganda will sustain its focus on maintaining its growth trajectory while continuing to serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic development in Uganda.  “As we look to the future, our commitment to innovation, financial inclusion, and driving value for our stakeholders remains unwavering,” said Karuhanga. “We are confident that with our continued focus on sustainable growth, we will navigate the evolving market dynamics and continue contributing to Uganda’s economic prosperity.

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