Uganda Development Bank (UDB) has launched the Reshaping Industries for a Sustainable Economy (RISE) Program, an initiative that is expected to transform the way the Bank deploys its resources within the economy.

The RISE Program delivers a groundbreaking solution to address modern-day challenges, diversify the economy, and establish high-tech, high-value-added, high-income, and truly green businesses and projects. It focuses on developing a sustainable local industrial base through the power of crowds. It is about creating and funding “Change the World” businesses and projects. 

The RISE platform enables financial institutions to create demand for sustainable finance by turning key societal, economic, and environmental challenges into transformational business opportunities.

During the launch held at Kampala Serena Hotel on Thursday, Patricia Ojangole, the Managing Director Uganda Development Bank, revealed that under the RISE Platform, UDB will be able to deploy its loans, advances, and investment portfolio through exploiting science and technology, revolutionizing business models, fueling innovation in the economy and igniting corporate and start-up entrepreneurship to fast-track socio-economic transformation that is environmentally and climate-friendly.

“At a time where countries are not only focusing on development but sustainable development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations, it is critical that the financial sector plays a catalytic role towards making this future possible,” Ojangole said.

“Creating a more sustainable future requires an all-hands-on-deck approach from all actors and financing is a key lever to influence sustainable outcomes. RISE presents a unique opportunity for us as UDB and all the other stakeholders, to incentivize the transition through agreeing to lend to, invest in and insure businesses that manage their nature risks and impacts,” she added.

RISE’s aspirations are consistent with the Fourth National Development Plans (NDP IV) theme of sustainable industrialization for inclusive growth, employment and sustainable wealth creation. Government has embarked on an ambitious strategy to grow Uganda’s economy tenfold, from USD50 billion to USD500 billion by the year 2040. This strategy focuses on agro-industrialization, science, technology, and innovation among others as catalysts for this growth.

At the same time, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to which Uganda is party, advocate for inclusive and sustainable industrialization, supporting developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production, and increasing substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

At the launch of RISE, Arshad Rab, CEO and Chairman, International Council of Sustainability Standards for Value-Driven Financial Institutions noted that while there is consensus to development that is sustainable, nations need to make deliberate efforts to bring these aspirations to fruition.

“The private sector will play an important role in redefining business as usual, helping to support the transition from exploiting nature to restoring nature. RISE will bring together actors from multiple sectors to help drive investment and lending practices that serve the people and the planet,” Rab said in his remarks.

He said the RISE platform will create an ecosystem in which agritech companies, scientists, engineering community, tech startups, investors, financial institutions, energy tech providers, government agencies and policymakers will drive innovative solutions that are environmentally and climate friendly.

“RISE heralds a new dawn where we rise up to the unique challenges of the 21st century, by capitalizing on emerging technologies and solutions and deploying the power of innovative ideas to change lives for the better.”

In the case of the agricultural sector which employs approximately 72% of Uganda’s population and contributed about 24.1% to the GDP in 2024, RISE will seek to build a technology ecosystem for enabling a shift from unsustainable to sustainable agricultural and food industry.

Rab added; “This ecosystem will turn the agrifood industry which is characterized by low-tech, low-yield highly labour and resource intensive and increasingly harmful for human health and environment, to a modern industry that is high-yield, high-tech, resource efficient and protects human health and natural environment.” 

A Sustainability Standards and Certification (SSCI) certified financial institution, UDB has mainstreamed sustainability through various initiatives. This has enabled the bank to support the country’s development agenda while at the same time creating positive impact on society, economy, and the environment.

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The Ministry of Health has reassured the public that antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) remain fully available and free of charge at all public and private not-for-profit health facilities across Uganda.

The affirmation comes following efforts to ensure uninterrupted access to life-saving HIV treatment and prevention services.

Dr. Charles Olaro, the Acting Director General of Health Services, emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting people living with HIV.

“ARVs remain available and free in all public and Private Not-For-Profit (PNFP) health facilities. Through the National Medical Stores (NMS) and Joint Medical Stores (JMS), we distribute ARVs to over 2,000 health facilities every two months. Over the past two years, there have been no reported stockouts of ARVs,” said Dr. Olaro.

He further noted that Uganda’s drug procurement systems are strong and continue to function effectively despite external funding evaluations.

“Drug procurement remains unaffected despite the ongoing United States Government exercise on re-evaluating and aligning global health support,” Dr. Olaro stated.

Dr. Olaro also announced a strategic shift towards integrated, patient-centered care.

“A shift towards a patient-centered model is underway, integrating services for HIV/AIDS, TB, Hepatitis B, Hypertension, and Diabetes into routine patient care across all healthcare levels. This ensures improved service delivery and addresses related medical and mental health conditions.”

Dr. Olaro also lauded Uganda’s local pharmaceutical sector, emphasizing its role in enhancing drug availability both domestically and in the region.

He said, “Uganda’s local pharmaceutical sector is growing, with WHO-prequalified manufacturers like Quality Chemicals Uganda Limited in Luzira, Kampala. Since 2023, they have been producing ARVs and anti-malarial medicines for both local and regional markets.”

Reaffirming the government’s support for people living with HIV, Dr. Olaro assured the public of continued access to vital HIV treatment.

“We reassure all Ugandans that HIV prevention and treatment services remain accessible and free nationwide. The Government of Uganda remains fully committed to ensuring a steady supply of high-quality, effective antiretroviral treatment, and we encourage all people living with HIV to fully utilize these essential services.”

According to Dr. Olaro, Uganda’s progress in combating HIV/AIDS is evident, with over 1.4 million people currently receiving ARV treatment and an impressive 89% viral suppression rate.

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Speke Resort and Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo, Uganda’s largest and most luxurious lakeside getaway is set to offer an unforgettable Easter Sunday brunch experience for families and individuals looking to make this holiday extra special.

Nestled by the serene shores of Lake Victoria, the five-star resort presents a lavish brunch buffet featuring a delectable selection of gourmet dishes, live cooking stations, and a tempting array of Easter-themed desserts. Whether you’re craving savory delights or indulgent sweets, this brunch promises a culinary experience like no other.

The brunch will be priced at Shs180, 000 for adults and Shs90, 000 for kids, providing guests with an extraordinary culinary experience in an atmosphere of live entertainment, breathtaking views, and a festive ambiance perfect for families, friends or anyone looking to celebrate Easter in style.

To make the holiday even more memorable, guests can book a Full Board Single Deluxe for just $139. This package includes bed, breakfast, and access to the Easter Sunday brunch, with taxes included, offering great value for an all-inclusive luxury experience.

Speke Resort Munyonyo offers luxurious accommodations such as Presidential Suites, Presidential Cottages, Executive Rooms, and Superior Rooms, each providing panoramic views of Lake Victoria and the resort’s lush tropical gardens making it the ideal retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.

To book your Easter brunch experience or for further inquiries, contact Speke Resort Munyonyo at +256 752 711 714 or +256 414 227 111, or via email at reservations@spekeresort.com. Don’t miss out on this exceptional Easter celebration at Uganda’s most prestigious resort!

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Police in Kitagwenda District have arrested Amarakutunga Levi, a local musician and male councillor representing persons with disabilities, in connection with the brutal murder of a 4-year-old child in a suspected case of ritual sacrifice.

According to police, the child, whose identity has been withheld for privacy, disappeared on March 16, 2025, after being sent to a neighbour’s house in Nyaruhanda Village. A frantic search by family and villagers ended in tragedy when the child’s lifeless body was discovered early the next morning, abandoned in a nearby bush.

Law enforcement, supported by a K-9 unit, quickly launched an investigation. The police dog picked up a scent from the crime scene and tracked it directly to Levi’s home, located approximately 300 meters away. Officers conducting a search in the surrounding area recovered a suspected panga stained with blood about 200 meters from the location where the body was found.

Further examination of Levi’s residence revealed more incriminating evidence. Police discovered a bucket filled with water containing blood-stained clothes and observed blood stains on the wall of one of the rooms.

“The evidence collected strongly links the suspect to the gruesome crime, and investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and possible motives behind the murder,” stated police.

Police have not ruled out the possibility of ritual sacrifice as a motive, citing the nature of the killing and the evidence found at the scene.

Amarakutunga Levi remains in custody as police prepare charges. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed, while condemning the heinous act in the strongest terms.

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Speaker Anita Among has called for a fight against illicit financial flows where Africa is losing over US$88 billion annually.
The Speaker made this call while presiding at the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committee (AFROPAC) Conference and Fifth Annual General Meeting at Golden Tulip Hotel, Kampala on Monday, 17 March 2025.
“The impact of this loss has and continues to be felt by our citizenry through foregone health facilities and services, schools, roads, rural electrification and development of natural resources,” Among said.
The meeting that will run until Friday, 21 March 2025 is being held under the theme, ‘Strengthening Legislative Action to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Foster Public Financial Resilience’.
She commended public accounts committees (PACs) for their contribution towards addressing economic and fiscal mismanagement but called for transparency, good governance and strong institutions, saying these will promote accountability in Africa.
Speaker Among  added that the Association of African Parliament Speakers will advocate for increased funding to AFROPAC.
“We will take it up and we will support AFROPAC to grow so that we are able to save the money we have as Africa,” she said.
AFROPAC’s Chairperson who is also the Chairperson, PAC (Central Government) of Parliament of Uganda, Hon. Medard Sseggona underscored the importance of forming collaborations in the fight against illicit financial flows.
He commended the African Union, South African Development Community Organisation of PAC (SADCOPAC), West African Association of Public Accounts Committees and East African Association of Public Accounts Committees for their support.
“By collaborating, we can create a united front against those who aim to illegally drain Africa’s common wealth and resources. We want to thank the incoming partner, the Global Fund, for accepting to work with AFROPAC,” he said.
He said that AFROPAC is dedicated to promoting regional and continental cooperation to establish harmonised policies and take joint action.
He also urged African parliaments to take bold action against illicit financial flows, calling on governments to increase funding to AFROPAC.
“By the time we conclude this conference, we should have actionable resolutions that will strengthen and enhance public financial oversight and equip our countries with tools needed to effectively combat illicit financial flows,” said Sseggona.
The Secretary General of AFROPAC, Hon. Mark Botomani said that ensuring that PAC recommendations are implemented by governments remains a challenge in promoting accountability in Africa.
“The fight against illicit financial flows includes ensuring that public resources are harnessed to sustainable development, economic growth and wellbeing of the citizenry,” Botomani added.
AFROPAC, established in 2013, is a Pan-African network of parliamentary oversight committees aiming to promote good governance, accountability, and transparency in public resource management and government operations across the African continent.

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