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Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan leads AU, COMESA, IGAD election observers to Uganda

By
Simon Kabayo
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Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is leading a joint African Union (AU), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Mission to Uganda’s January 15, 2026 General Elections.

The statement dated January, 9th seen by Eagle Online announces the mission’s arrival, the three regional bodies said the deployment follows an invitation from the Government of Uganda and the Electoral Commission.

 “The African Union, COMESA and IGAD announce the arrival in Uganda of the election observation mission to the 15 January 2026 General Elections in the Republic of Uganda,” the statement read.

The AU–COMESA–IGAD Election Observation Mission (EOM) is headed by Jonathan, with support from Ambassador Shemsudin Ahmed Roble of the COMESA Committee of Elders and IGAD’s Commander Abebe Muluneh Beyene. 

The mission comprises 84 short-term observers drawn from across the continent, including ambassadors accredited to the AU, election management officials, civil society actors, election experts, human rights specialists, gender and media experts, as well as youth representatives.

According to the statement, “The Mission comprises 84 short-term observers (STOs) drawn from ambassadors accredited to the AU, officials of election management bodies, members of civil society organisations, election experts, human rights specialists, gender and media experts, and representatives of youth organisations.”

The observers hail from more than 30 African countries, including Algeria, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, among others.

The mission will be deployed across all regions of Uganda to observe key electoral processes. 

“The observers will be deployed across all regions of Uganda where they will observe the election day procedures including the opening of polls, voting, closing and the counting processes at the polling stations,” the statement said.

The joint mission noted that its assessment will be anchored in Uganda’s legal framework as well as continental and international democratic standards. 

“The AU–COMESA–IGAD EOM will base its assessment on the legal framework governing elections in Uganda and the OAU/AU Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the International Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation,” it added.

During its stay, the mission will engage a wide range of stakeholders, including state authorities, the Electoral Commission, political parties, the media, civil society organisations and members of the international community based in Uganda.

The observers are expected to issue a preliminary statement on January 17, 2026, outlining their initial findings at a press conference in Kampala. A final comprehensive report will be released within one month after the announcement of final election results and will be made public.

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From Download to Matchday: How Betting Apps Prepare Users Before Kickoff

By
Our Reporter
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The work a betting app does on matchday starts long before the first whistle. By the time a fixture appears on screen, a series of quiet technical decisions have already shaped how confident and prepared a user feels. From installation to the hours leading up to kickoff, modern betting apps are designed to remove friction early so that matchday feels familiar rather than rushed.

That preparation often begins with the download itself. An install process that runs smoothly, loads quickly, and opens without visual noise sets expectations immediately. Even something as simple as choosing a trusted source, such as the betway app download apk, can influence how the rest of the experience unfolds, not because of promotion, but because it reflects how clearly the platform structures access and updates from the start.

First Impressions Are Technical, Not Visual

When an app opens for the first time, most users are not thinking about odds or markets. They are judging responsiveness. Does the screen settle quickly? Do menus open without delay? Are sections clearly separated? These early moments are driven by technical choices around loading order, caching, and layout stability.

A well-built app introduces its structure gently. Sports are grouped logically. Live and upcoming matches are easy to distinguish. Nothing demands attention too early. That calm introduction helps users build familiarity long before they need to act quickly during a live moment.

Learning the App Before the Pressure Arrives

The hours before kickoff are often spent browsing rather than betting. Users scroll through fixtures, check how markets are organised, and explore features without urgency. This is where good apps quietly teach people how they work.

Consistent navigation patterns matter here. When the same gestures, buttons, and layouts behave the same way across sections, confidence builds naturally. Platforms like Betway are a good example, as their sports areas follow a predictable structure that stays consistent as matchday approaches.

Matchday Is About Stability, Not Speed

When matches begin, everything speeds up externally. Goals, injuries, and momentum shifts arrive quickly. Internally, however, the app’s job is to slow things down. Stable interfaces, controlled updates, and clear feedback prevent information overload.

Behind the scenes, this relies on selective updates rather than full screen refreshes. Only what needs to change changes. The rest stays fixed. That technical restraint keeps users oriented even when matches become chaotic.

Casino Games Prepare Users Differently

Many betting apps also include casino games, and these play a different role in preparation. Casino sections are often used during quieter periods, helping users become comfortable with the app’s overall behaviour. Familiar controls, clear feedback, and predictable pacing in games reinforce trust in the platform as a whole.

That familiarity carries over. When matchday arrives, the app already feels known. Users are not learning a system under pressure. They are using one they recognise.

Preparation Is the Real Advantage

By kickoff, confidence is already formed. A betting app that behaved well during calm moments tends to feel reliable during intense ones. The technology has done its work quietly, guiding users without instruction.

From download to matchday, preparation is not about adding features. It is about removing uncertainty. When that happens, the app becomes part of the routine, supporting the experience rather than competing with it.

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Museveni declares Jan 15, 16 as public holidays for general elections

By
Our Reporter
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Ugandans captured in this photo lining up for voting in the previous elections.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has declared January 15 and 16, 2026 public holidays to allow Ugandans to fully participate in the presidential and parliamentary elections.

In a statutory instrument issued under the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 174), the President exercised powers granted under Section 2(2) of the Act to clear the two polling days of official work and business across the country.

“In exercise of the powers conferred upon the President by Section 2(2) of the Public Holidays Act, I declare 15th and 16th January, 2026 to be observed as public holidays throughout Uganda for the purpose of enabling citizens to participate in the Presidential and Parliamentary elections,” the notice reads in part.

The declaration, dated January 8, 2026, shows the government’s position that civic participation in the electoral process should not be hindered by work or other official obligations.

“Given under my hand and the Public Seal this 8th day of January, 2026,” the instrument further states.

The announcement comes as Uganda enters the final days a highly competitive election season, with several candidates already confirmed for the presidential race.

The presidential contenders include Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform (NUP); incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM); Elton Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party (CP); and Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party (NPP).

Other candidates in the race are Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC); Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT); Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga of the Common Man’s Party (CMP) and Bulira Frank Kabinga of the Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP).

The holidays are intended to promote maximum voter turnout and ensure that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to cast their ballots without constraint.

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Gov’t releases Shs16.5t for third quarter of 2025/26 financial budget

By
Our Reporter
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The government has released Shs16.537 trillion to finance public expenditure in the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, with a strong focus on wages, debt obligations and strategic investments under the ATMS tenfold growth agenda.

The funding framework was outlined by the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, who said the releases are aligned with fiscal discipline and the government’s development priorities.

“The total release for Quarter Three for FY 2025/26 amounts to Shs16.537 trillion,” Ggoobi said.

He noted that the allocation covers wages, non-wage spending, development financing, external financing, treasury operations and local revenue support.

Of the total release, Shs2.175 trillion has been allocated to wages and salaries across government, Shs2.898 trillion to non-wage recurrent expenditure, Shs514 billion to Government of Uganda development spending and Shs3.277 trillion to externally financed projects. Treasury operations, largely debt-related, take the biggest share at Shs7.591 trillion, while local revenue support amounts to Shs82 billion.

A significant portion of the funds will go towards statutory obligations and constitutional institutions. These include Shs7.59 trillion for debt and treasury operations, Shs318.24 billion for pensions and gratuity, Shs91.65 billion for Parliament, Shs28.27 billion for the Judiciary, and Shs18.351 billion for the Office of the Auditor General.

The government has also prioritised financing of the ATMS pillars—Agro-industrialisation, Tourism development, Mineral-based industrialisation, and Science, Technology and Innovation—which are central to Uganda’s tenfold growth strategy.

“Agro-industrialisation has been allocated Shs167 billion to support research and innovation, including fast-tracking the roll-out of the anti-tick vaccine,” Ggoobi said. Tourism development has received Shs32.8 billion to support promotion initiatives such as the “Explore Uganda” campaign and the development of the Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo.

Mineral-based industrial development, including oil and gas, has been allocated Shs469.69 billion to accelerate interventions aimed at achieving first oil, while Science, Technology and Innovation will receive Shs166.15 billion to expand internet connectivity and drive digitisation of the economy.

Security agencies, described as key enablers of economic growth, will also receive substantial funding. The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has been allocated Shs270.05 billion, Uganda Police Force Shs42.12 billion, Uganda Prisons Service Shs73.04 billion, and State House Shs17.92 billion, among others.

Infrastructure development remains a major priority, with the Ministry of Works and Transport receiving Shs1.34 trillion, largely under external financing, to support Uganda Airlines, railways, the Standard Gauge Railway, and road infrastructure. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has been allocated Shs468.48 billion for rural electrification, transmission lines and power generation projects.

In the health sector, the Ministry of Health will receive Shs344.67 billion, while National Medical Stores has been allocated Shs245.52 billion to procure essential medicines, including bridging gaps created by the withdrawal of USAID support. Education will also benefit, with Shs115.50 billion allocated to the Ministry of Education and Sports and Shs107.453 billion to public universities.

Local governments will receive Shs519.87 billion to support service delivery and capital development projects, while revenue-generating agencies such as the Uganda Revenue Authority, National Citizenship and Immigration Control, URSB and UNBS have also received targeted funding to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation.

As he concluded, Ggoobi urged accounting officers to focus on results and timely implementation.

“All Accounting Officers should prioritise and fast-track implementation of programmes and projects to sustain momentum for the realisation of the development results envisaged under the tenfold growth strategy,” he said.

He added that the government remains committed to macroeconomic stability, transparency and fiscal discipline. “As we continue to implement our fiscal consolidation agenda, we shall endeavour to live within our means, while keeping citizens informed on budget execution and service delivery outcomes.”

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Gov’t injects Shs28b to unlock financing for Uganda’s creative industry

By
Simon Kabayo
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Uganda’s creative industry is set for a significant boost after the government earmarked Shs28 billion in the 2025 2026 national budget to expand access to financing for artists and cultural entrepreneurs.

The sector, which spans music film fashion, visual arts crafts publishing digital content and the performing arts, has become an important driver of economic growth, job creation and cultural expression especially among young people and women.

Despite its growing influence, the industry has struggled to access affordable and patient capital. Most creatives operate within the informal economy lack collateral and are routinely excluded from traditional financial services, a situation that has limited expansion and kept much of the sector undercapitalised.

To address these challenges, government has introduced a structured financing mechanism designed to respond to the specific needs of the creative economy.

The Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs Peace Regis Mutuuzo said the funding arrangement was deliberately tailored to support both growth and formalisation within the sector.

Of the total allocation Shs5 billion has been earmarked for Musician SACCOs under the Uganda National Musicians Federation while another Shs5 billion will be directed towards strengthening copyright management including the acquisition of a Copyright Management System and support to Collecting Management Organisations.

A further Shs18 billion will be channelled through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations serving nine creative domains namely performing arts film and video visual arts and crafts fashion and design books and press interactive media software and digital innovation cultural and natural heritage and culinary arts.

Mutuuzo said the Creative Uganda Revolving Fund will expand access to affordable capital by offering financial services suited to the realities of creative enterprises while encouraging informal businesses to register and operate within the formal economy.

Funds disbursed through artist domain based SACCOs will be repaid under agreed terms allowing the facility to revolve and support a wider pool of beneficiaries over time.

Uganda’s creative industry currently contributes an estimated three to four point one percent of Gross Domestic Product equivalent to about Shs4.2 trillion while generating employment fostering innovation supporting exports and strengthening cultural identity despite persistent challenges in infrastructure regulation and access to finance.

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Mayiga: Uganda Cranes’ AFCON exit exposes identity crisis and lack of inspiration

By
Simon Kabayo
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The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga has attributed Uganda’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a lack of inspiration within the national football team and called for reforms to ignite national pride and competitiveness.

Reacting to Uganda’s failure to progress beyond the group stage, Mayiga argued that while several factors contributed to the disappointing campaign, inspiration or the lack of it remains a critical missing link.

“Uganda didn’t get out of the group stage at AFCON for a number of reasons, but lack of inspiration is one of them,” Mayiga said.

He questioned the current identity of the team, suggesting that even its name fails to inspire fear or confidence.

“The name Cranes is so docile, the national bird is so lazy,” Mayiga said.

He argued that the team’s branding does not reflect the aggression and courage required at the highest level of competition.

“Why not name the National Team the Spears, which signifies courage and victory?” he added.

Mayiga also criticised the absence of a strong and consistent national identity in the team’s colours, noting that Uganda lacks traditional colours that fans can emotionally connect to.

“The National Team lacks a colour premised on the origins of the National Team, not on colours of sponsors like Airtel or MTNNational teams of other countries have traditional and specific colours,” he said.

The Buganda Premier further pointed to the lack of a unifying anthem that fans can rally behind during matches, saying this denies both players and supporters a powerful source of motivation.

“The National Team doesn’t have an anthem which the fans can echo throughout the matches,” he noted.

Beyond the national team, Mayiga turned his attention to the domestic league and argued that structural weaknesses in the Uganda Premier League are undermining the national side. He criticized the dominance of government parastatal teams, saying they lack organic fan bases and therefore weaken competition.

“Government parastatals and agencies shouldn’t have football clubs since they lack a fan base, and hence the Uganda Premier League can’t grow a fan base,” Mayiga said. “A league that lacks a strong fan base is never competitive and cannot produce a strong National Team.”

Instead, he called on state agencies to redirect their resources towards supporting community-based clubs with established followings.

“Parastatals like UPDF, Police and URA should sponsor community-based clubs such as SC Villa, Vipers, Express and Wakiso Giants,” Mayiga said, arguing that this would strengthen the league and, in turn, the national team.

Uganda’s AFCON campaign ended at the group stage after a mixed run of results against seasoned continental opponents, leaving the Cranes short of the points needed to advance. Despite moments of resilience and disciplined defending, Uganda failed to register a decisive victory, finishing the group with limited goal output and conceding at crucial stages of matches.

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Mityana–Mubende road progress stands at 32%, set for completion in March 2027

By
Simon Kabayo
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Construction works on the Mityana-Mubende road.

Works and Transport Minister, Gen. Katumba Wamala, has provided a detailed update on the status of the Mityana–Mubende road reconstruction and associated town road upgrades, saying the project is making progress despite significant financial challenges that have slowed momentum.

Addressing officials during an inspection tour of road works this todsy, Gen. Wamala said the cumulative physical progress of the Mityana–Mubende project stands at 32.40 percent as of December 2025. The main road spans 86 kilometres, while an additional 14 kilometres of urban roads within Mityana Town form part of the overall contract.

“The road is progressing, but the pace has been affected by funding constraints which have delayed several phases of the works,” Gen. Wamala said.

He noted that contractors have resumed activities after periods of slow or halted work due to delayed payments.

The project, which commenced in 2021 has faced repeated setbacks because of financial shortfalls. Originally expected to be completed earlier, the timeline has now been rescheduled to March 2027 to accommodate delays caused by funding gaps.

Gen. Wamala said his visit marks the beginning of an extended review of key road projects as he crosses from the Central region into the Western region, underlining the government’s commitment to infrastructure development that is critical to Uganda’s Vision 2040 goals.

The reconstruction contract was awarded to Energo Project Company Uganda Limited, a subsidiary of the Serbian firm Energo­projekt Niskogradnja A.D., at an initial cost of approximately Shs395 billion (about $105 million). The works include widening the road, stabilising the pavement, constructing wider shoulders, improving drainage channels and culverts, and bringing the surface up to modern standards. The contractor is also responsible for upgrading the 14 kilometres of town roads in Mityana.

However, the project has been hampered by delayed payments to the contractor, forcing the temporary suspension of works and the accumulation of claims. By mid‑2025, the contractor had submitted 17 Interim Payment Certificates totaling Shs165.19 billion, of which 16 had been paid, reflecting efforts to clear arrears and bring activities back on track.

Funding constraints have also forced the ministry to adjust priorities across the national road programme, affecting multiple strategic corridors and contributing to the slow implementation of several critical projects. A broader funding shortfall of about Shs2.472 trillion has been reported for the national roads sector in the 2025/26 financial year, underscoring the challenge of meeting delivery timelines amid tight fiscal conditions.

The Mityana–Mubende corridor serves as a vital link between central and western Uganda, facilitating trade, the movement of agricultural produce and access to services. But road users have increasingly expressed concern about deteriorating sections of the highway, which have slowed travel, raised transport costs and posed safety risks due to potholes and uneven surfaces.

Gen. Wamala said the road inspections aim to monitor progress, identify bottlenecks, and ensure corrective measures are implemented, reinforcing the government’s resolve to deliver improved road infrastructure that supports economic growth and regional connectivity.

He reiterated the importance of steady funding releases and timely payment to contractors to avoid further disruptions and ensure that roads like Mityana–Mubende are completed efficiently and to the expected standards.

With the project now targeting completion in March 2027, the ministry has pledged to maintain oversight and engagement with stakeholders, including local leaders and engineers, to safeguard progress and ensure the road meets functionality, safety, and durability expectations upon completion.

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Paradise Island’s white sands to elevate Lake Victoria beauty as Easter opening nears

By
Our Reporter
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Paradise Island, which is due for opening on the Easter festive season.

Lake Victoria is about to get a sparkling new gem. Tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia’s Paradise Island, with its pristine white sands, swaying palms and crystal-clear waters, is preparing to welcome visitors this Easter, promising a luxurious yet serene escape right in the heart of Uganda.

From the moment one steps onto its powdery beaches, the island offers a visual feast: the soft white sand contrasting against the deep blue of the lake, gentle waves lapping at the shore and panoramic views that stretch to the horizon.

It’s a peaceful backdrop for photography, relaxation, or simply soaking in the calm rhythm of Africa’s largest lake.

Paradise Island is not just a getaway; it is a redefinition of lakeside beauty, combining nature’s untouched charm with carefully designed leisure facilities.

Paradise Island is a place where people can experience the magic of Lake Victoria in a way they never have before. Every corner of Paradise Island is designed to delight the senses.

Beyond its breathtaking beaches, the island offers a variety of activities for all types of visitors. Guests can enjoy boat cruises, beach volleyball, sunset walks, and guided nature trails. Families can have picnics in designated leisure spots, couples can retreat to quiet corners for romantic moments, and adventurers can explore the lake’s sparkling waters or capture the island’s beauty through photography.

Paradise Island has an eco-friendly design with modern amenities. Conservation of vegetation, careful management of waste, and sustainable construction make Paradise Island a model for responsible tourism in Uganda.

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Uganda’s economy set for faster growth as NRM reforms take root- PSST Ggoobi

By
Simon Kabayo
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Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi.

Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi has revealed that Uganda’s economy has all the essential fundamentals required to generate wealth and shared prosperity, crediting sustained economic reforms by the NRM government for laying a strong foundation for long-term growth.

Ggoobi said the reforms implemented over the years have created a resilient, stable and fast-growing economy capable of supporting Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

“The NRM government will continue to take deliberate actions to achieve faster socio-economic transformation and to strengthen its position in the global economy,” Ggoobi said.

He made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking on behalf of Finance Minister Matia Kasaija at the NRM Party Secretariat on Kyadondo Road in Kampala, where he was invited to brief the public on the progress, reforms and future direction of Uganda’s economy under the NRM administration.

Flanked by NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja, Ggoobi outlined key policy reforms that have shaped the structure of the economy, including the elimination of price controls, liberalisation of the economy, liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, and opening up of the current and capital accounts. He also cited export diversification, privatisation, and the rationalisation of state enterprises as critical interventions.

He further highlighted prudent macroeconomic management aimed at controlling inflation, the establishment of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in 1991 to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation, and sustained investment in infrastructure as pillars of economic stability.

According to Ggoobi, these measures have delivered tangible results, noting that the size of Uganda’s economy is projected to have expanded 17 times since 1986. By June 2026, the economy is expected to reach Shs68.4 billion.

Ggoobi also revealed that Uganda has met all the requirements for graduation to lower-middle-income status and is currently undergoing assessment by the United Nations. He said Uganda’s per-capita Gross National Product stood at Shs1,278 in the 2024/25 financial year, compared to about Shs570 a decade ago.

“This compares favourably with the benchmark of USD 1,136 required for a country to be classified as lower-middle income. Our projections show that per-capita income will rise to USD 1,324 by the end of FY 2025/26,” he said.

He added that improvements in economic performance have translated into better household welfare, with poverty levels declining from 21.4 percent in 2016 to 16.1 percent in 2025. The proportion of households engaged in subsistence production has also dropped significantly, from 68.9 percent in 2010 to 33.1 percent by the 2023/24 financial year.

Looking ahead, Ggoobi said the government is targeting to expand the economy to Shs500 billion by 2040 and create more jobs by concentrating resources on the four anchor sectors under the ATMS framework and their key enablers.

“The NRM Government remains resolute in transforming Uganda into a modern, inclusive and competitive economy that works for all Ugandans,” he said.

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Private sector ends 2025 with high hopes for further expansion in 2026

By
Francisco Adongo
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Christopher Legilisho, Economist at Stanbic Bank.

Following  a ten-month period of job creation, Ugandan companies saw a broad stagnation in employment levels and higher input costs during December, nonetheless driven by other factors, the monthly Stanbic Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose slightly to 54.0 compared to the 53.8 recorded for November 2025.

Readings above 50.0  signal an improvement in business conditions on the previous month, while readings below 50.0 show a deterioration.

Like much of 2025, business conditions continued to improve amid sustained expansions in output and new orders. Meanwhile, input price inflation was sustained as purchase costs rose further.

Prevailing demand conditions enabled firms to increase selling prices. The December data indicated an eleventh successive monthly improvement in business conditions.

According to the latest survey, firms were also upbeat regarding the outlook for output in the coming year, which spurred greater input buying and efforts to build stocks. That said, businesses signalled broadly unchanged employment levels.

Christopher Legilisho, Economist at Stanbic Bank said, “ Conditions in Uganda’s private sector were upbeat as the Stanbic Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) remained in expansion territory in December, implying that strong consumer demand conditions drove new orders and boosted output in the private sector. The state of employment was healthy, with staffing levels broadly steady following a ten-month period of growth, while backlogs mounted due to capacity pressure from increasing orders. This was evident in further expansions in quantities purchased and inventories held by Ugandan firms.”

The Stanbic PMI is compiled by S& P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to about 400 purchasing managers. The sectors covered by the survey include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail and services.

The index is a weighted average of the following five indices: New Orders (30%), Output (25%), Employment (20%), Suppliers’ Delivery Times (15%) and Stocks of Purchases (10%).

Legilisho said, “The rise in input prices was linked to elevated water and electricity costs in December. Purchase prices also increased due to concerns about construction costs, among other factors. Wage costs were broadly flat, while output prices increased due to robust customer demand. On the whole, this suggests that the economy is performing briskly, which should be confirmed when official growth data is released.”

Greater new orders reportedly drove the latest expansion, with new sales increasing on a continuous basis since February 2025. Anecdotal evidence suggested that demand conditions improved amid greater client numbers.

Survey respondents noted that where workforce numbers rose it was due to a rise in temporary workers. Greater new order inflows alongside little change in employment led to a renewed rise in backlogs during December.

At the same time, inflationary pressures built further as overall input prices and output charge increased again at the end of the year.

The rise in total operating expenses stemmed from higher purchase costs, as wage bills ticked down. However utility, construction material and sugar prices reportedly drove the latest increase in purchase costs.

Companies sought to pass through higher input prices to customers via greater selling prices amid the accommodative demand conditions which is characteristic of the festive season.

Meanwhile, input buying increased again at Ugandan businesses amid  greater new order inflows in December.  Demand for items placed pressure on suppliers who saw lead times lengthen, but firms were able to accumulate stocks again, nonetheless.

Output expectations for 2026 across the private sector are positive. There are hopes of stronger demand following investment in advertising and customer outreach which is reportedly underpinning the broad-based optimism.

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