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Gov’t still has 22-day fuel cover to sustain country amid Middle East war- Energy Ministry

By
Francisco Adongo
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Fuel pump attendant in action.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has reassured the country that fuel supplies remain stable, revealing that Uganda currently holds about 22 days of petrol reserves despite ongoing global supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.

In a press statement released on March 30, 2026, the Ministry, in partnership with the Uganda National Oil Company, said the disruption of shipments through the Strait of Hormuz has had a ripple effect on global oil flows. The channel is a critical transit route that accounts for roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, including fuel destined for Uganda.

“As of 27th March 2026, Uganda’s fuel stock levels and the inland supply chain remained stable and sufficient to meet the short term national demand,” the Ministry stated.

The ministry further emphasized that there is no immediate cause for alarm.

The country currently has about 81 million litres of petrol, 80 million litres of diesel, and 18.5 million litres of Jet A-1 in stock. These volumes translate into approximately 22 days of cover for petrol, 23 days for diesel, and 30 days for Jet A-1, ensuring continuity in supply across key sectors of the economy.

Officials, however, were quick to point out that additional fuel shipments are already secured and on the way to reinforce the existing reserves.

“The Ministry through UNOC is scheduled to receive confirmed vessel deliveries from the end of March 2026 into April 2026 mainly to the Mombasa port,” the statement noted.

To further strengthen supply security, Uganda is also tapping into alternative regional routes through Tanzanian ports such as Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Mtwara, reducing reliance on the Middle East corridor.

According to the Ministry, the incoming shipments are expected to significantly boost national reserves.

“The expected additional quantities that should be accessed from the beginning of April 2026 add up to about one hundred and ninety five million litres of petrol, one hundred fifty five million litres of diesel, and twenty four million litres of Jet A-1,” it said.

Once received, these volumes will extend Uganda’s fuel cover to more than 50 days for petrol and over 40 days for diesel, providing a stronger buffer against external shocks.

The government reassured the transport sector, aviation industry, and the wider business community that fuel supply will remain uninterrupted.

“Uganda’s fuel supply remains secure, stable, and continuous despite the ongoing Middle East conflict,” the Ministry emphasized, attributing this resilience to diversified sourcing strategies coordinated by UNOC.

Even so, authorities acknowledged that global market dynamics could still influence pump prices locally. The Ministry said it will continue to monitor international oil prices and foreign exchange trends, both of which play a key role in determining retail fuel costs.

The government also dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting an impending fuel shortage, warning that such information is misleading and likely to cause unnecessary panic.

“This message also serves to clarify the related misrepresentations being circulated on social media, which are not factual and seem to be biased to causing undue panic and potential exploitation,” the statement said.

The statement was issued with guidance from the Ministry’s communications office led by Assistant Commissioner Patricia Litho and Tony Otoa, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at UNOC, both of whom reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining steady fuel supply across the country.

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Formal employment and business registrations rise high while Kampala air quality declines in February 2026

By
Our Reporter
-
Kampala Central Business District.

Uganda recorded strong gains in formal employment, business activity and financial markets in February 2026, even as environmental concerns intensified with worsening air quality in Kampala, according to the latest Microeconomic Indicators and Developments report released by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

The report paints a picture of a steadily expanding economy, driven by increased formalisation of jobs, rising investor confidence and sustained government reforms aimed at improving the business environment.

“The number of migrant workers captured by the Immigration Department increased by 14.7 percent from 3,455 in January to 3,962 in February 2026,” the Ministry noted.

Formal employment registered the most significant growth during the period. “Formal employment returns, as captured under the PAYE Register, increased by 47 percent from 596,195 employees in January 2026 to 873,507 employees in February 2026,” the report states.

This upward trend is further reflected in social security enrolment, with the National Social Security Fund recording a sharp rise in contributors. “The number of members subscribing to NSSF increased by 47 percent from 2.45 million in FY2023/24 to 3.6 million in FY2024/25,” the Ministry said, underscoring the impact of ongoing formalisation efforts.

Uganda’s business landscape also experienced notable growth. New business registrations rose by 52 percent, from 2,464 in January to 3,746 in February 2026, while the Uganda Securities Exchange All Share Price Index climbed by 10.3 percent, signalling improved activity in capital markets.

According to the Ministry, these gains are supported by deliberate policy interventions. “Government has strengthened legal and regulatory frameworks and promoted digital registration systems to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve access to services,” the report explains.

Key among these initiatives is the nationwide mass registration campaign, KiriEasy, which aims to register over 235,000 businesses in the current financial year. The establishment of the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre in Kololo has also streamlined licensing and investment processes for businesses.

However, the report highlights emerging pressures on household welfare. Food and non alcoholic beverage inflation rose by 0.8 percent in February, reversing the decline recorded in January, while energy, fuels and utilities inflation increased by 0.6 percent.

Household consumption expenditure also declined slightly, dropping from Shs 43.1 trillion in the first quarter of FY2025/26 to Shs 42.4 trillion in the second quarter, pointing to cautious consumer spending amid rising costs.

Environmental concerns were also prominent. “Air quality in Kampala deteriorated, with particulate matter increasing by 9.15 percent from 29.5 micrograms per cubic metre in January to 32.2 micrograms per cubic metre in February 2026,” the Ministry reported, attributing the trend to hot and dry weather conditions experienced across much of the country.

On a positive note, health indicators improved, with malaria prevalence declining significantly. The report shows a 34 percent reduction in malaria related deaths, from 2.3 per 1,000 persons in January to 1.5 in February.

Uganda’s external sector also showed resilience, with the trade deficit narrowing by 28.6 percent, largely driven by increased gold exports and oil re exports. Export earnings grew modestly by 2.1 percent in the second quarter of the financial year.

Looking ahead, the Ministry projects continued growth in business registrations and private sector activity, supported by digitalisation, lower compliance costs and improved service delivery.

“Business registrations in Uganda are expected to increase modestly, driven by reforms that enhance efficiency and expand access to coordinated services,” the report read.

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ACR2025: Crime drops by 10.2% but domestic violence, theft  cases remain high

By
Simon Kabayo
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Uganda’s overall crime rate declined by 10.2 percent in 2025, with 196,405 cases reported compared to 218,715 in 2024, according to the Annual Crime Report released by the Uganda Police Force at Naguru headquarters.

Releasing the report, Abbas Byakagaba attributed the decline to strengthened coordination among security agencies and improved policing strategies.

“In 2025, a total of 196,405 cases were reported to the Police, compared to 218,715 cases in 2024. This represents a 10.2 percent reduction in reported cases,” Byakagaba said.

He added that improved interagency collaboration under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Forces has significantly enhanced law enforcement capacity across the country.

The report shows that out of the total cases reported, 115,301 were submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, with 79,291 cases taken to court.

“A total of 24,899 cases resulted in convictions, leading to 31,732 persons being convicted and sentenced, while 43,551 cases remain under trial,” Byakagaba noted.

Despite the overall decline, police highlighted that core crime categories such as theft, assault and domestic violence continue to dominate the crime landscape.

Theft remained the most reported offense, although it dropped by 8.4 percent to 56,360 cases. Assault cases reduced by 10.8 percent to 26,366, while domestic violence declined by 12.2 percent to 12,361 cases in 2025.

Police further reported a decline in sex related offenses, which dropped from 14,425 cases in 2024 to 12,606 in 2025, representing a 6.4 percent decrease.

“Both domestic violence and sex related offences registered declines, reflecting ongoing interventions, although they remain prevalent in our communities,” police noted.

Economic and corruption related crimes also reduced, with 11,548 cases recorded in 2025 compared to 13,132 in 2024, pointing to improved accountability measures within institutions.

Fraud cases, particularly obtaining money by false pretences, dropped to 8,455, while robbery cases slightly reduced to 7,863. Break ins declined by 12.5 percent to 11,818, and criminal trespass cases fell by 15.7 percent to 6,467.

Homicide cases recorded a slight reduction to 4,238 in 2025, reflecting marginal progress in addressing violent crime.

However, police raised concern over a sharp rise in political and electoral related offenses, which surged to 800 cases in 2025 compared to just 105 cases in 2024.

Tom Magambo attributed the increase to heightened political activity during the election period.

“Most of these incidents were registered during Parliamentary elections, although recent elections have been among the most peaceful, especially in Kampala, with no widespread violence,” Magambo said.

He also commended the dedication of investigators despite the declining crime figures.

“Despite the significant reduction in crime, I have witnessed the unwavering resolve of officers who remain fully committed whenever incidents occur and persist until cases are thoroughly investigated and resolved,” he added.

The report further highlights progress in combating narcotics related crimes, which dropped by 30 percent from 2,240 cases in 2024 to 1,569 in 2025. However, police warned that drug abuse among youth remains a growing concern.

“While the reduction is notable, rising drug abuse among young people in schools and communities remains a key area for intervention,” police cautioned.

Child related offenses also declined by 14.3 percent from 9,408 cases in 2024 to 8,064 in 2025.

On terrorism, 8 cases were recorded in 2025, down from 26 the previous year, although authorities warned that the threat remains significant.

Fire incidents and rescue operations also reduced significantly. A total of 1,310 incidents were recorded in 2025 compared to 1,595 in 2024, representing a 31.3 percent decrease.

“In 2025, 1,270 fire incidents were attended to, representing 96.9 percent response rate,” Byakagaba said.

Meanwhile, traffic and road safety data showed a sharp decline in traffic related offenses by 24.4 percent, dropping to 322,441 cases from 426,432 in 2024. However, fatalities from road crashes continued to rise, highlighting ongoing challenges in road safety enforcement.

Police leadership emphasized that the decline in overall crime reflects the impact of intelligence led operations, improved command structures and growing community policing efforts.

“This progress is a result of strengthened systems, better coordination and increased community engagement in crime prevention,” Byakagaba said.

Despite the positive trends, the report shows persistent challenges, particularly in domestic violence, corruption and emerging threats such as political related offenses and drug abuse, which continue to require sustained intervention from both government and communities.

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Road Carnage: Over 4,600 people killed in 26,044 crashes in 2025

By
Our Reporter
-
One of the buses that was involved in a road carnage.

At least 4,602 people lost their lives in 26,044 road crashes across Uganda in 2025, according to the Annual Crime Report 2025 released by the Uganda Police Force at its Naguru headquarters, today.

Presenting the traffic and road safety findings, Lawrence Niwabiine said the latest figures reflect a troubling rise in road fatalities despite a significant drop in traffic offenses.

“A total of 322,441 traffic related cases were registered in 2025 compared to 426,432 cases in 2024, representing a 24.4 percent decrease,” Niwabiine said.

He however cautioned that the reduction in offenses has not translated into safer roads.

“Road traffic crashes increased by 3.7 percent in 2025 compared to 2024,” he added.

According to the report, total crashes rose from 25,107 in 2024 to 26,044 in 2025. Of these, 4,602 were fatal crashes, 13,563 were serious crashes involving injuries, while 7,879 were classified as minor.

“In 2024, we recorded 4,434 deaths, which increased to 4,602 in 2025,” Niwabiine said, underscoring the growing burden of road carnage.

The findings build on trends observed in 2024, where the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety had already registered a 6.4 percent increase in crashes from the previous year, alongside a 7 percent rise in deaths and a 4.4 percent increase in total casualties to 25,808.

The 2024 data further showed that 4,434 crashes were fatal, 13,134 were serious, and 7,539 were minor, highlighting a steady escalation that has now carried into 2025.

Analysis from the Directorate indicates that the most dangerous hours on Uganda’s roads remain between 18:00 and 19:59, when the highest number of crashes and fatalities occur.

“In that period, we registered the highest number of crashes and casualties. It remains the peak time on our roads,” Niwabiine noted in the earlier assessment.

The report also maintains that Sundays continue to record the highest number of crashes, followed by Saturdays and Mondays, despite relatively lighter traffic volumes.

“On Sundays, we have fewer vehicles on the road, yet we register the highest number of crashes and deaths,” he said.

Pedestrians remain the most vulnerable road users, accounting for 19.5 percent of all crashes, followed by side swipe collisions at 17.7 percent and rear end collisions at 16.2 percent. Head on collisions accounted for 13 percent, while angle collisions contributed 10.5 percent and single vehicle crashes made up 9 percent.

Police attribute the majority of crashes to human error, particularly careless overtaking and speeding, which together accounted for 44.5 percent of all crashes in 2024, a trend that continues to dominate into 2025.

“Careless overtaking accounted for 5,657 crashes, while speeding caused 5,505 crashes,” Niwabiine explained, adding that 2,681 crashes were linked to unknown causes, largely involving hit and run incidents.

Motorcyclists and their passengers remain the hardest hit category. Deaths among motorcyclists rose significantly in 2024 by 13.2 percent from 1,520 to 1,720, while fatalities among their passengers increased by 10.1 percent.

Passengers in light omnibus vehicles also registered a sharp rise in deaths, jumping from 93 in 2023 to 144 in 2024, representing a 54.8 percent increase, a pattern that continues to raise concern among traffic authorities.

The Annual Crime Report was released under the leadership of Abbas Byakagaba, with police acknowledging that road safety remains one of the most pressing public concerns.

“As government, we are undertaking several measures to improve road safety,” Niwabiine said.

He outlined ongoing interventions including mandatory vehicle inspection to eliminate unroadworthy vehicles, automation of driver testing systems to improve competence, and the fast tracking of an intelligent transport monitoring system.

“Long term solutions such as road redesign and development of mass public transport systems including rail and bus services are also being considered to discipline road users,” he added.

Despite a notable 24.4 percent reduction in traffic offenses in 2025, the continued rise in crashes and fatalities highlights a persistent road safety crisis, with authorities warning that stricter enforcement, behavioral change and sustained investment in infrastructure will be critical to reversing the trend.

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Police take over training of private security guards as over 7,000 recruits undergo state supervised programme

By
Our Reporter
-

The Uganda Police Force has assumed control over the training of private security guards in a major policy shift aimed at strengthening professionalism and eliminating risks within the sector.

The move, which is being funded by taxpayers, will see the first cohort of 7,085 trainees complete their training on April 24, 2026 under direct police supervision.

The development was revealed by the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, David Muhoozi while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs during consideration of a petition by Private Security Organisations.

“In the proposed review of the regulations, we propose that the private security guards will be either trained from police training schools or police trainers are deployed to accredited Private Security Organisations at a subsidised cost to ensure quality standardised training,” Muhoozi said.

He added, “Actually, as we speak now, we have something like 7,085 undergoing training by the police free of charge in some of our schools for private security organisations and these belong to different agencies or private security organisations.”

The Minister further disclosed that government has developed a standardised training curriculum to improve professionalism across the industry. The curriculum is expected to equip guards with critical skills in conflict resolution, surveillance and emergency response, while also ensuring compliance with legal requirements and boosting public confidence in private security services.

However, lawmakers raised concerns over the legal framework governing the sector, calling for more comprehensive reforms.

Wilson Kajwengye supported the move to regulate training but stressed the need for a standalone law to govern private security operations.

“Regulating them is absolutely in order. However, the regulations that you so elaborately caught stem from the Police Act and the Constitution. Is it not about time that the Ministry comes up with a Bill to regulate private security organisations establishment and regulation?” Kajwengye said.

He added, “In my view, if you are going to regulate an organisation whose strength outnumbers yours, it is highly likely that it will distract you or you will use more resources than you would ordinarily have used.”

Kajwengye drew comparisons with South Africa, noting that the country has a dedicated legal framework and regulatory authority overseeing a private security workforce of over 500,000 personnel.

“So, if there was a law, a distinct law to that effect, I think it would solve. But in my view, I think it is about time that we come up with a distinct law and maybe even an authority of some sort,” he said.

He added, “I worked and lived in the Republic of South Africa. I remember, for them, they even have a private security practitioner’s authority. Because while for them, I think they are close to half a million employees in private security.”

Meanwhile, several Private Security Organisations have recently been recognised to operate in Uganda in 2026 as part of efforts to streamline the industry. These include Securitas Uganda, Saracen Uganda Limited, KK Security Uganda, Security Group Africa Uganda, G4S Uganda, ArmorGroup Uganda among others.

The government’s intervention is aimed at bringing uniformity in training standards, enhance accountability and position the private security sector as a reliable partner in maintaining national security.

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Fugitive Prison Warder Anguyo transferred to Kiboga after being arrested in DR Congo

By
Simon Kabayo
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Warder Moses Anguyo.

A prison warder accused of fatally shooting a senior officer at Kiboga Prisons and other individuals has been arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to a statement from the Uganda Prisons Service, Warder Anguyo Moses was apprehended in Aru Town in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a joint security operation. Authorities confirmed that he is currently being held at Kiboga Central Police Station and will be presented before court to face murder charges.

The arrest follows a violent incident in which Anguyo allegedly shot and killed the Deputy Officer in Charge of Kiboga Prisons along with others.

In the official communication dated March 28, prison authorities praised the coordinated effort that led to his capture.

“The Commissioner General of Prisons congratulates the joint security operation teams that apprehended murder suspect Warder Anguyo Moses,” the statement noted.

Speaking on behalf of the prisons service, Frank Baine Mayanja, the Senior Commissioner of Prisons and spokesperson, emphasized that the suspect will undergo due legal process.

“He is currently being held at Kiboga Central Police Station and will be produced in court to answer for his crimes,” Baine said.

He added that further updates will be communicated as investigations progress.

Authorities also used the development to send a strong warning against criminal acts. 

“This serves as a warning to anyone intending to commit crime,” the statement added.

The arrest was guided by cross-border security cooperation between Uganda and neighboring countries after tracking down suspect who attempted to evade justice by fleeing beyond national border.

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Tycoon Sudhir gives Shs50m to Emorimor, inducted into Teso culture

By
Our Reporter
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Emorimor of Teso Papa Paul Sande Emolot blesses Tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia, his wife Jyotsna, daughter Sheena and her husband Jay.

City tycoon and Chairman of Ruparelia Foundation, Sudhir Ruparelia has announced a package of Shs50 million towards the Emorimor of Teso.

This was during the closing ceremony of the three day eye camp held at the Bukedea Teaching Hospital in Eastern Uganda. 

The Eye camp in memory of Rajive Ruparelia has attracted patients from many parts of Eastern Uganda with different complications. 

In appreciation of him, the Emorimor of Teso, his Highness Papa Paul Sande Emolot, inducted Sudhir and his wife, Jostina Ruparelia, into the Teso community.

Sudhir was given Eminat name by his Highness Paul Sande Emolot,  the third and current Emorimor (Paramount Chief) of the Iteso.

They also delivered to the people of Bukedea a brand new ambulance donated by the Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among and the MP Elect David Beecham Okwere.

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Millions at risk as Pharma halts Superbug Research

By
Our Reporter
-
Pharmacy..

As the global threat of drug-resistant infections accelerates, the pharmaceutical industry is losing ground, leaving vulnerable populations in sub-Saharan Africa dangerously exposed, according to the newly released 2026 Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Benchmark.

The comprehensive report, published by the Access to Medicine Foundation, reveals a stark reality for the continent: across 17 sub-Saharan African countries, none of the assessed companies have registered child-friendly versions of their existing antimicrobial products. This lack of registration severely limits treatment options, fuels resistance, and leaves children vulnerable to otherwise treatable infections. This access gap is particularly devastating given that 80% of children who die from tuberculosis infections live in sub-Saharan Africa.

While AMR contributes to over four million deaths globally each year , the pipeline for new treatments is rapidly shrinking. The 2026 AMR Benchmark reports a 35% decrease in the number of pipeline projects in development from large research-based pharmaceutical companies since 2021. Major corporations like Johnson & Johnson have drastically reduced their pipelines, with the company ceasing its vaccines and infectious disease R&D entirely in 2023. Today, only GSK, Otsuka, and Shionogi continue to invest in innovative antimicrobial R&D among the large research-based companies.

The deficit is especially severe for paediatric medicine. The report notes that only 14% of antimicrobial pipeline projects from the assessed companies are developed for children under the age of five.

Despite these alarming trends, the Benchmark highlights crucial bright spots driven largely by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The report identified seven new, innovative medicine projects in late-stage development by GSK, Otsuka, Shionogi, BioVersys, F2G, Innoviva, and Venatorx. These projects target some of the deadliest drug-resistant pathogens that disproportionately affect people living in low- and middle-income countries.

“We can tilt the battle against superbugs in humanity’s favour,” said Jayasree K. Iyer, CEO of the Access to Medicine Foundation. “Our findings show practical approaches that can ramp up progress on all fronts”.

Some companies are demonstrating this progress by actively working to bridge the access gap. Five companies, Aurobindo, GSK, Hikma, Sandoz, and Teva, stand out by registering their paediatric formulations, on average, in around 50-70% of the low- and middle-income countries where they register their other off-patent antimicrobials.

Furthermore, generic medicine manufacturers are stepping up to track how their medicines are used, a vital step in preventing the misuse that causes superbugs. Six of the ten generic companies assessed now track patient reach across almost all of their antibiotic and antifungal products analyzed.

Ultimately, the 2026 AMR Benchmark stresses that overcoming this crisis requires more than isolated corporate efforts.

“From R&D through manufacturing, to access and stewardship and measuring real-world patient reach, the Benchmark illustrates the potential for companies to develop more comprehensive approaches,” noted Claudia Martínez, Director of Research at the Access to Medicine Foundation. “But we need intensified, industry-wide action”

How Superbugs are Impacting Uganda

The global findings from the 2026 AMR Benchmark reflect a growing crisis that is already claiming thousands of lives locally. In 2021, an estimated 5,620 deaths in Uganda were directly attributable to bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR), while nearly 26,800 deaths were associated with it, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) / GRAM Report To put this in perspective, AMR-related deaths in Uganda now surpass the annual mortality from HIV and tuberculosis combined.

The burden of this crisis falls disproportionately on the country’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens. Children under the age of five account for the largest number of AMR-associated fatalities in Uganda, with over 12,300 deaths recorded in this age group in 2021 alone. A recent study in the Karamoja region highlighted this severe everyday risk, revealing that nearly half of the food and water consumed by children under five in the area is contaminated with drug-resistant Salmonella.

The clinical landscape in the country is worsening, with up to half of all bacterial infections in Uganda now showing resistance to commonly prescribed, accessible antibiotics such as penicillin according to The Uganda Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan. Currently, pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli are the leading drivers of fatal drug-resistant infections across the nation.

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Tycoon Sudhir offers wheelchair to 104 year old woman at Rajiv Memorial Eye Camp

By
Emmanuel Okello
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Tycoon Sudhir after gifting a 104 old Esther Amoding a wheelchair at Bukedea Teaching Hospital.

A deeply emotional moment unfolded at Bukedea Teaching Hospital when 104 year old Esther Amoding received a wheelchair from businessman Sudhir Ruparelia during the medical outreach held in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia.

Amoding, overwhelmed with gratitude offered heartfelt prayers for Ruparelia, asking God to grant him long life and continued strength, drawing applause from the crowd gathered at the facility.

The gesture took place during the Rajiv Ruparelia Eye Camp, a three day free medical outreach that has attracted thousands of residents from Bukedea and surrounding districts seeking specialised eye care services.

Organised by the Ruparelia Foundation, the camp is providing free eye screening, treatment and surgeries to underserved communities, with a strong focus on restoring sight and preventing avoidable blindness.

The outreach screened more than 2,000 patients, conducted over 300 cataract surgeries and distributed hundreds of reading and prescription glasses to both adults and children.

Medical teams drawn from leading health institutions, including Mulago National Referral Hospital and C Care, are offering specialised services ranging from diagnosis to surgical interventions, targeting one of Uganda’s most pressing health challenges.

The cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness in Uganda, yet many patients cannot afford treatment, making such community outreaches critical in saving and transforming lives.

The camp, running from March 27 to 29, is not only a medical intervention but also a tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia’s legacy of compassion and philanthropy.

The initiative as a continuation of Rajiv’s vision of giving back to society, noting that restoring sight has life changing effects on individuals, enabling children to return to school, adults to work and the elderly to regain independence.

Leaders and community members attending the outreach praised the Ruparelia family for bringing essential services closer to rural populations, saying such initiatives complement government efforts to improve healthcare access.

Sudhir Ruparelia revealed that the eye camp is set to become a nationwide programme conducted every two years in different regions, with the next outreach expected to be held in Kasese, western Uganda.

Rajiv Ruparelia, who died in 2025 at the age of 35, was recognised for his role in expanding business and championing social impact through education, health and community programmes.

As the Bukedea camp continues, stories like that of Esther Amoding are emerging as powerful symbols of hope, dignity and the lasting impact of giving, reflecting a legacy rooted in service to others.

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Ruparelia Foundation honoured by KCCA for championing Kampala City Festival 2025

By
Our Reporter
-
Tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia.

The Ruparelia Foundation has been recognised by the Kampala Capital City Authority with an appreciation award for its contribution to the success of the 2025 Kampala City Festival.

The award, presented by KCCA commends the foundation for its continued support in powering the city’s flagship celebration, which draws thousands of residents and visitors onto the streets of Kampala each year. 

The recognition highlights the foundation’s role in advancing a shared vision of transforming Kampala into a vibrant, attractive, livable and sustainable city.

According to the inscription on the plaque, the Ruparelia Foundation was honoured for powering the Kampala City Festival 2025 and for believing in the city’s long term development agenda. 

The recognition reflects a growing reliance on strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors to deliver impactful urban events.

The Kampala City Festival has, over time, evolved into one of the most anticipated events on Uganda’s social calendar. 

Organized annually by KCCA, the festival celebrates the capital’s cultural diversity, creativity and economic potential. It typically features live music performances from leading Ugandan artists, cultural showcases representing different regions of the country, street parades, food exhibitions and business activations that bring together both small scale traders and established brands.

Beyond entertainment, the festival serves as an important platform for promoting tourism and positioning Kampala as a regional cultural hub. City authorities have consistently used the event to highlight investment opportunities, urban development projects and community driven initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods. 

The influx of revellers during the festival period also provides a significant boost to sectors such as hospitality, transport and retail.

In recent editions, KCCA has placed increasing emphasis on safety, environmental sustainability and inclusivity. Campaigns promoting cleanliness, responsible waste management and road safety have been integrated into festival activities, aligning with the broader goal of building a more organized and livable city. 

Community groups, youth organisations and creatives have also been given space to actively participate, making the festival not just a celebration but a platform for civic engagement.

The Ruparelia Foundation’s involvement has played a notable role in supporting these ambitions. Known for its investments in education, health and community welfare, the foundation has consistently backed initiatives that promote social transformation. Its support towards the festival has contributed to enhancing organization, boosting participation and ensuring that the event reaches a wider audience.

The partnerships with KCCA are essential for sustaining the growth of the festival and maintaining its status as a unifying event for the city. By working with corporate and philanthropic entities, the authority is able to expand the scale and impact of the celebrations while sharing responsibility for delivering a successful event.

The recognition of the Ruparelia Foundation therefore not only celebrates its contribution to the 2025 edition but also underscores the importance of collaboration in shaping Kampala’s future. 

The stakeholders are optimistic that the Kampala City Festival will play an even bigger role in showcasing its identity, driving economic activity and strengthening the bond among its residents.

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