Uganda’s coffee industry posted one of its strongest months in recent years after export revenues for October climbed sharply to $185.56 million (about Shs730 billion), reflecting a 33 percent rise compared to the same month last year.
The country shipped out 685,720 60kg bags of coffee, representing a 38 percent jump in export volumes from October 2024. Officials attribute the surge to a bumper harvest in the Central and Eastern regions, where the picking season intensified, alongside favourable international prices driven by weather-related supply disruptions in major coffee-producing countries such as Brazil, Vietnam and several Central American nations.
The average export price stood at $4.51 per kilogram, slightly higher than September’s $4.31 but still below the $4.67 registered a year earlier.
Robusta coffee continued to dominate the trade, accounting for 87 percent of all shipments. Uganda exported 597,925 bags of Robusta worth $151.51 million. This represented a 31 percent increase in volume and a 19 percent jump in value compared to last year. The average price for Robusta was $4.22 per kilogram.
Arabica coffee recorded the most dramatic growth, with export volumes soaring by 117 percent and earnings rising by 182 percent year-on-year. Total Arabica exports reached 87,795 bags valued at $34.04 million, fetching an average price of $6.46 per kilogram.
In the broader picture, Uganda exported 8.4 million bags of coffee in the 12 months to October 2025, earning $2.4 billion—an impressive 77 percent increase in value from the previous year.
Europe remained the dominant market, taking in 63 percent of Uganda’s coffee. Italy led with 26.22 percent, followed by Germany at 10.67 percent and Algeria with 7.49 percent. African countries collectively absorbed 16 percent of the exports, amounting to 108,540 bags.
Ugacof (U) Ltd. emerged as the top exporter for October with a 12.44 percent market share, while Sucafina SA was the leading foreign buyer, holding 14.22 percent of the market.
Looking ahead, Uganda’s coffee shipments for November 2025 are projected to reach approximately 550,000 60kg bags.
U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. William W. Popp, and Uganda Ministers of Finance Matia Kasaija and Health, Dr. Ruth Acen, after signing the MoU.
Uganda and the United States have entered a Shs7.8 trillion ($2.2 billion) bilateral health cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening the country’s health system and improving the delivery of essential healthcare services over the next five years.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed today at the Ministry of Finance, outlines a comprehensive framework designed to save lives, curb the spread of infectious diseases, and bolster Uganda’s ability to respond to public health emergencies.
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija signed on behalf of the Government of Uganda, while the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. William W. Popp, signed on behalf of the United States.
The agreement is expected to advance the longstanding U.S.–Uganda partnership by expanding support to key priority areas, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, polio eradication, global health security, human resources for health, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness. It also includes direct support to faith-based healthcare providers across the country.
Over the five years, the United States has committed $1.7 billion, while the Government of Uganda will increase domestic health spending by $500 million, a move intended to gradually strengthen national ownership and financial responsibility for the health sector.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija said the partnership will significantly enhance Uganda’s health infrastructure and workforce.
“This collaboration will yield not only disease-specific outcomes but also significant improvements in national systems, institutions, and workforce capacity. This is highly commendable, ”Kasaija stated.
Ambassador Popp described the MOU as a major long-term investment in shared global health priorities.
“We are building on prior successes and making a significant shift towards promoting self-reliance in the health sector through strong community health systems, clear performance metrics, and a foundational commitment to data systems and global health security that will prevent and stop outbreaks from threatening Uganda, the United States, and the world,” the Ambassador said.
The pool pavilion at Speke Resort Munyonyo is ready to welcome you for Christmas.
Speke Resort Munyonyo has announced an enchanting Christmas Eve Dinner set to take place on December 24, with an unforgettable night of food, music, and family-friendly festivities by the lakeside.
The celebration, scheduled to begin at 6 pm at the Nyanja/Lake Terrace, is designed to bring families together in the true spirit of the season, according to the resort’s announcement.
Guests will be welcomed to a lavishly curated buffet featuring a wide selection of Christmas delicacies prepared by top chefs.
Organisers say the evening will offer far more than a gourmet feast.
There will be heart-warming choir carols, breathtaking fire dance showcases and exhilarating acrobat performances.
Children will also enjoy a dedicated programme tailored just for them.
The resort planned exciting activities including a kids’ movie night and a visit to the petting zoo to ensure the little ones have just as much fun.
The resort has set the price at Shs200,000 for adults and Shs90,000 for children below 12 years. Management encourages early reservations through the contacts provided to ensure a seamless festive experience.
With its serene lakeside atmosphere, captivating performances, and family-centered activities, the 2025 Christmas Eve Dinner at Speke Resort promises to be one of the most vibrant and memorable holiday events.
At least ten people have been confirmed dead and three others injured after a fatal road crash at Busowa Town Council along the Busia Highway in Bugiri District on Wednesday morning.
The 7:00 am collision involved a Toyota Hiace, registration UBN 817H, and a stationary trailer, UA 647BA/UA 430AA.
According to the spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, Michael Kananura, preliminary investigations indicate that reckless overtaking triggered the deadly crash.
“The driver of the Toyota Hiace attempted to overtake an unidentified vehicle but another vehicle was approaching from the opposite direction,” Kananura said.
He added, “In an effort to avoid a head-on collision, the driver swerved to the left, lost control, and rammed into a stationary trailer. The impact killed ten people on the spot, including the driver, and left three others injured.”
All the victims were occupants of the Toyota Hiace.
Kananura confirmed that police responded swiftly to the scene.
“Our team rushed the survivors to the hospital and conveyed the bodies of the deceased to the mortuary. Investigations into the crash have commenced,” he noted.
He urged motorists to adopt safer road practices, warning that reckless behaviour continues to claim innocent lives.
“We urge all motorists to desist from speeding and unsafe overtaking. Drivers must exercise maximum caution and prioritise safety at all times,” Kananura emphasized.
Police say a full investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
NUP's presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, with one of the Gulu attack victims.
Across Uganda, from the streets of Kawempe to the busy centres of Gulu, Fort Portal, Jinja, and Kayunga, a familiar pattern has marked several opposition campaign activities. Roads have been sealed off, military vehicles have appeared suddenly, police officers have fired teargas or used batons, and at times soldiers have joined operations that ended with injuries and arrests.
This exclusive reconstruction examines what is publicly known about these deployments and what remains unanswered about who actually directs these actions.
A trail of clashes across the campaign map
In the northern city of Gulu, the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, was pushed back by uniformed and plain-clothed security personnel during a chaotic confrontation that left several civilians hurt. Video from the scene showed heavily armed officers driving crowds away and striking some of those who attempted to follow the motorcade.
Kawempe in Kampala has witnessed repeated standoffs throughout recent campaigns. Journalists have been beaten, supporters have been arrested, and military units have occasionally joined police in dispersing gatherings. Residents say the force used often escalated without warning, especially during moments when crowds attempted to escort Robert Kyagulanyi, as was the case earlier this year during the by-elections for Member of Parliament Elias Nalukoola.
Similar scenes were reported in Fort Portal, where security teams blocked roads leading to planned rallies. Vehicles carrying campaign equipment were stopped at checkpoints, and some events were postponed because police insisted the meetings did not meet the conditions set for public gatherings.
In Jinja and surrounding areas, sound systems and stage equipment were impounded, and several organisers said they arrived at their venues only to find officers occupying the space. Kayunga has also seen several instances where roads were sealed off, and supporters kept away from campaign venues.
These incidents form a pattern observed across many districts where opposition candidates have attempted to reach supporters.
soldiers from the army and the police beating opposition supporters in Gulu.
What the police and the military have publicly said
Security agencies consistently defend their actions as enforcement of the law. Police statements issued after several of the confrontations have accused candidates and their teams of holding unlawful processions or violating agreed campaign guidelines. Officers maintain that the interventions were aimed at preventing disorder and ensuring public safety.
After the violent episode in Gulu, police announced that an internal inquiry would be conducted and described the images of officers beating civilians as regrettable. They promised disciplinary action if the investigation confirmed wrongdoing.
In certain cases, including an earlier campaign clash in Kawempe, the army issued public apologies acknowledging that soldiers who took part acted outside acceptable standards. Military officials stated that such behaviour did not reflect the rules of engagement expected of their personnel.
Despite these statements, neither institution has publicly revealed detailed operational orders or the full chain of command responsible for deployments during political events.
What is missing in the public record
While extensive footage shows officers confronting opposition supporters, no publicly available document confirms that a specific political authority instructed police or soldiers to block or assault candidates—the official explanations only reference enforcement of regulations and controlling crowds.
There are no released internal memos, deployment directives, or recorded instructions showing a senior political figure commanding security agencies to use violence against a particular candidate. This absence of documentation makes it impossible to conclusively identify any single individual as the source of these orders.
A pattern rooted in previous election cycles
Uganda’s security responses during elections have long been a subject of scrutiny. In the 2021 presidential race, rights organisations documented widespread use of force, mass arrests, and disruptions of opposition activities. The events of that year established a pattern that still influences present-day operations. The similarity between those past crackdowns and the more recent ones suggests continuity in the way security agencies respond to political competition.
Accounts from the ground
Victims, journalists, and supporters have consistently described seeing both police and soldiers actively participating in confrontations. Some report being beaten while others recount seeing plain-clothed individuals armed with sticks operating alongside uniformed officers. In some incidents, officers are seen standing aside as unidentified groups assault supporters.
Police have sometimes blamed violence on disorderly crowds or on criminal groups mingling with supporters. In other moments, they have admitted that officers may have used more force than necessary but insisted that their overall objective remains maintaining order.
Why the search for the real command remains unresolved
Three factors complicate efforts to identify who truly issues operational instructions during campaign crackdowns.
The first is operational discretion. Local commanders often decide on immediate actions during fast moving situations and these decisions rarely appear in written form.
The second is the lack of prior communications. Without internal deployment circulars, radio communication logs or authenticated recordings, journalists cannot point to a direct instruction from a senior political office.
The third is conflicting official messaging. While government agencies cite enforcement of the law, the scale and coordination of security deployments across many districts raise questions that remain unanswered.
What is needed to establish responsibility?
For investigators to determine who actually commands these operations, several records would be crucial. These include radio communication logs from police and army command centres, internal deployment files, written or verbal instructions issued by top security offices and sworn testimony from officers who were on the ground.
Until such information becomes public, the country is left with a clear picture of what happened but an incomplete understanding of who ordered it.
Final picture
There is no doubt that opposition presidential campaigns across Uganda have repeatedly faced roadblocks, violent dispersals, and heavy security presence. The police and military continue to justify these actions as enforcement of the law and crowd management. Victims and witnesses continue to describe brutal confrontations. But the key question remains unanswered. The public record still does not contain direct proof of who issued the command for the blockages and beatings. Without access to internal security communications, the true source of these decisions remains shrouded in secrecy.
Mariam Wangadya, the chairperson, Uganda Human Rights Commission.
Four major child rights and human rights institutions called on political actors, parents, the media and the public to protect children from exploitation, harm and political manipulation during the election season.
The National Initiative for Civic Education in Uganda (NICE-UG), Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN), and UNICEF Uganda jointly warned that children are increasingly at risk during political campaigns, especially when they are drawn into rallies, demonstrations and political advertising.
The institutions stressed that elections must uphold Uganda’s democratic values without compromising the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of children.
“Protecting children from harm and exploitation is not optional. It is a shared responsibility. It is the duty of all parents and caregivers, teachers, religious, cultural, and political leaders, and the media fraternity to ensure that children are protected during elections,” said Mr. Joseph Biribonwa, Chairperson of NICE-UG.
They emphasized that involving minors in campaign activities is a violation of their rights and exposes them to physical and psychological danger. The groups added that using children in political advertisements amounts to exploitation and infringes on their privacy, safety, and protection.
The organizations urged the public to report all cases of child rights violations through existing helplines and formal reporting mechanisms.
“More than half of all Ugandan citizens are children. Investing in children, listening to their voices and promoting their rights needs to be a priority during these elections,” said Mr. Damon Wamara, Executive Director of UCRNN.
To guide political parties and candidates, the child rights organizations developed a comprehensive document inspired by the children’s manifesto previously drafted under UCRNN. The document calls on political actors to integrate child-focused commitments into their campaign agendas, including efforts to combat teenage pregnancy, address malnutrition, improve access to early childhood education, and strengthen protections against violence.
It has already been shared with political parties ahead of the 2026 polls, with a call for candidates to hold child-friendly campaigns and adopt programmes that reflect the best interests of every child.
“We urge all political actors, media, parents, and the public to protect children’s rights during the election period. Let us not allow this election to compromise the safety and well-being of our children,” UHRC Chairperson, Mariam Wangadya said.
To further support public awareness, the four organizations have developed a set of practical Dos and Don’ts for children, parents, politicians, and media practitioners. These are being distributed widely through printed materials, mass media, and social media platforms.
UNICEF Uganda Representative Dr. Robin Nandy reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding children during this sensitive period.
“UNICEF remains dedicated to working with the Government of Uganda and alongside all partners… to protect and promote children’s rights, ensuring their safety and well-being across the country during and after the election period,” he said.
The child rights coalition noted that past elections in Uganda and the region have shown an increase in risks to children, including violence, exploitation, and the interruption of essential services. Through stronger coordination, advocacy campaigns, and reporting mechanisms, the organizations aim to minimize these threats throughout the 2026 election cycle.
The Uganda Police Force has clarified that 16-year-old Leon Joshua Otim, whose death has shocked the public, was assaulted by a mob that accused him of stealing a mobile phone, but not by police or military personnel as earlier alleged on social media.
Police said their attention had been drawn to a post circulating in the media regarding the death of Otim Leon Joshua, a 16-year-old student and resident of Customs Corner Cell, Bardeg Layibi Division, Gulu City.
According to police findings, the incident began on December 6, 2025, when Otim left home around 5 pm, telling his mother he was heading to town. He did not return that evening.
“At around 0500hrs, the mother was approached by two boda boda riders who had brought her son, Otim Leon Joshua, badly beaten and unconscious. The riders told her that the boy had been attacked at Lailong after being accused of stealing a phone at about 4am,”Police reported.
Police added that his mother rushed him to Lacor Hospital, where he was admitted, but despite efforts to save him, Leon Joshua Otim passed away today, 09/12/2025, at around midday.
Investigators established that Otim was a student at Excel High School in Mukono and had returned home for holidays.
Police further confirmed that the deceased was assaulted by four boys who are currently at large and a manhunt is underway.
The police dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting that Otim died from beatings inflicted during a political confrontation.
“Claims circulating on social media suggesting that the deceased died due to a scuffle involving security agencies and Robert Kyagulanyi are false and baseless. The truth is that Otim Leon Joshua succumbed to injuries inflicted by those who suspected him of theft,” police emphasized.
Earlier, however, NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi had linked the teenager’s death to alleged security brutality during an attempted campaign event in Gulu.
Bobi Wine said he was saddened by the death of 16-year-old student Leon Joshua Otim, who has today succumbed to the extensive injuries he sustained last Saturday when police and military officers, aided by gangs in plain clothes holding machetes and sticks, attacked and flogged our supporters and us as we attempted to campaign in Gulu city.
He further stated that, “Otim’s death underscores the ongoing complicity of the Electoral Commission and all other State institutions mandated to ensure a credible, free and fair electoral process. We extend our sincere sympathies to his family and friends, and demand prompt justice against all those responsible for his death.”
Police reiterated that their investigation is based on verified witness accounts and hospital findings, confirming the injuries were a result of mob action over alleged theft.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure justice for the deceased and his family,” the statement noted.
HFB Managing Director (2nd Left) and the Guest of Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo (Center) cut the cake with other officials at the launch of the HFB Masaka Branch.
Masaka-Housing Finance Bank has officially launched its new branch in Masaka, marking a milestone of 21 branches nationwide. This expansion follows recent branch openings in Nansana, enhancing access for peri-urban communities, and Soroti, strengthening financial services in the Eastern region. The Masaka branch is set to bring innovative banking solutions closer to residents and businesses while serving as a hub for community engagement and economic growth.
Speaking to the people of Masaka, Michael Mugabi, Managing Director of Housing Finance Bank, said: “To the people of Masaka, this branch is more than a new location. It is our pledge to walk alongside you in realizing your ambitions. At Housing Finance Bank, we are committed to empowering communities through accessible financial solutions, innovative services, and sustainable initiatives. Our presence here reflects our dedication to supporting your businesses, your homes, and your future while contributing to the enduring growth and resilience of this vibrant region and the nation as a whole.”
Adding her remarks, Josephine N. Mukumbya, Board Chair of Housing Finance Bank, emphasized that the opening of the Masaka branch aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, particularly its focus on stimulating economic transformation, promoting inclusive financial services, and strengthening local economies. She highlighted the importance of saving as a pathway to financial security and wealth creation, noting that the Bank remains committed to equipping Ugandans with the tools and platforms needed to build a stable financial future.
HFB Managing Director, Michael Mugabi.
The Masaka branch is tailored to serve the local community, offering mortgages, savings accounts, business financing, and investment opportunities. Customers will also benefit from digital and mobile banking platforms, allowing them to transact conveniently and securely from anywhere. The branch is designed to support financial literacy programs, entrepreneurship workshops, and advisory services, helping residents and local businesses make informed financial decisions, grow their enterprises, and plan for the future.
The branch is also expected to contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of Masaka’s economic landscape.
Representing the Bank of Uganda, Director of Commercial Banking Hannington Wasswa commended Housing Finance Bank for its expansion. He highlighted the government’s multifaceted approach to economic development, stating, “Our strategy focuses on fostering innovation, enhancing digital payments, and strengthening the MSME sector, all of which are critical to building a resilient economy.” He added, “This milestone reflects the bank’s agility and commitment to meeting Uganda’s evolving financial needs. As the financial landscape transforms, Housing Finance Bank’s strategic investments will undoubtedly unlock new growth opportunities, especially in agriculture and agribusiness. We are proud to partner with institutions like Housing Finance Bank that share our vision for a prosperous Uganda, where financial services are accessible and sustainable.”
Board Chair, Josephine N. Mukumbya.
Commenting on how the Bank’s launch contributes to Uganda’s social-economic transformation, the Guest of Honor, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, the Minister of State for Microfinance and Small Enterprises, emphasized the significance of expanding financial access in Masaka. He remarked that the opening of the new branch represents a major step forward for the region, noting that reliable financial services are a powerful catalyst for progress. “Today’s launch is a win for Masaka. This branch gives our people more opportunities to build, expand, and secure their futures,” he said. Hon. Kasolo applauded Housing Finance Bank for selecting Masaka as a strategic location in its growth journey and for investing in the wellbeing and economic potential of the community, underscoring that such initiatives directly support the country’s broader development agenda.
As part of its broader sustainability agenda, Housing Finance Bank underscored the importance of environmental sustainability by distributing 300 tree seedlings during the launch. This initiative reflects the Bank’s commitment to promoting climate resilience and advancing economic growth that aligns with environmental care.
The launch in Masaka further demonstrates the Bank’s dedication to supporting communities across Uganda. Through initiatives that empower households, strengthen local businesses, and encourage long-term sustainability, Housing Finance Bank remains steadfast in its mission to foster inclusive development nationwide.
The Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court has charged and remanded the People’s Front for Freedom’s (PFF) flag bearer for the Busia Municipality MP seat, Samuel Makokha Wa Mageni, to Luzira over misprision of treason.
According to prosecution, Makokha got to know that the party founder and four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye allegedly planned to commit treason last year and failed to report it to the authorities.
However, Makokha denied the charges and was remanded until December 16, when the case will come up for bail application. Mr Makokha is also the Secretary for Foreign Affairs in the PFF party.
While addressing journalists after the hearing, his lawyers, Bayern Turinawe and Kakuru Tumusiime, noted that the case is misconceived since Beisgye has never been convicted of treason and is still on remand at Luzira for over a year.
“We feel like that charge is one that is misconceived because Dr Kizza Besigye has not been convicted of treason for you now to say that someone got to know that he was about to commit treason and he didn’t tell the authorities” Kakuru said.
The lawyers noted that they were unable to secure bail for Makokha due to the state attorneys absence from court premises on Tuesday.
Rotary International District 9213 Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule.
Rotary International District 9213 is committed to strengthening public health and eliminating preventable diseases across Uganda, according to District Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule.
“Rotary was built on the belief that when caring people unite, they can change the world. And nowhere is that more evident than in our work to reduce suffering, improve health, and ensure that families have the chance to live full and healthy lives,” Kitakule said.
He highlighted Rotary’s landmark achievement in the fight against polio, a campaign that began more than three decades ago and has transformed global health.
“More than three decades ago, we took on a challenge many believed was impossible: to rid the world of a crippling and deadly disease. We committed not only our resources but also our determination. We mobilized communities, partnered with governments, and worked hand in hand with the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the Gates Foundation. And because of that commitment, we have reduced polio cases by more than ninety nine percent, protecting billions of children and bringing us closer than ever to a polio free world,”Kitakule said.
He however stressed the need for continued vigilance.
He stressed,“We remain relentless in the final push because we know that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere.”
Kitakule noted that Rotary’s health vision extends far beyond the eradication of a single disease.
He emphasized the organisation’s enduring health initiatives within communities across Uganda. Rotary Family Health Days continue to bring essential medical care to areas that lack clinics, doctors or basic medicines. The organisation also supports the training of health workers, midwives and community educators, ensuring that every action taken has long lasting impact.
Rotary’s focus on maternal and child health remains strong. With emphasis on early intervention, safe childbirth and access to vaccines, the organisation is investing in healthier futures for mothers and newborns. Kitakule revealed that a recently approved grant worth five hundred thousand dollars under the “Empowering Families” project will bring renewed hope to thousands of Ugandan families.
He reaffirmed Rotary’s solid involvement in the fight against malaria, HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis and other preventable disease and noted that education remains at the centre of all these efforts. Kitakule applauded Rotarians for leading countless health education programs, including hygiene and sanitation training for schoolgirls and awareness campaigns on chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
“What truly makes our work unique is not just the scale of our efforts. It is the spirit behind those efforts. Because for every vaccination administered, every health center built or supported, and every life saved, there is the power of volunteers who believe deeply in our motto: Service Above Self,”he said.
Kitakule noted with a bold vision for the future.
He noted,“Rotary will continue to lead, to innovate and to inspire. We will strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand access to clean water and sanitation, and together we will continue to light the way toward a world free from preventable disease. A world where every child grows up strong, every family thrives and every community has the opportunity to flourish because as we have seen, Rotary Eyamba.”
Rotary District 9213 now moves forward with renewed determination to transform lives and strengthen health systems across Uganda.
