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Investing in Ugandan youth key to accelerating economic transformation – Prof. Nuwagaba

By
Francisco Adongo
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Uganda’s economy has largely bounced back from the effects of the #COVID-19 pandemic. Still, challenges remain, particularly in employment and entrepreneurship, according to Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda.

He made the remarks via his X (formerly Twitter) handle. 

“While Uganda’s economic recovery is on track, the impacts on employment and businesses, especially in the informal sector, are yet to be fully addressed,” Prof. Nuwagaba said. 

He added, “Many businesses are slowly recovering, and we must focus on creating opportunities that allow our young people to contribute meaningfully to economic growth.”

Uganda remains a youthful nation, with the 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) census report indicating that three-quarters of the population is under 30 years of age. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for economic transformation.

“The youth are eager to play a role in driving the economy, but they often face barriers in accessing capital, acquiring relevant skills, and reaching markets. It is essential that we bridge this gap to empower them as key contributors to Uganda’s development,” Prof. Nuwagaba noted.

He highlighted the growing gig economy as a potential avenue for youth employment. 

“The gig economy in Uganda has grown substantially, thanks to digital connectivity and the demand for flexible work. While it may not be a perfect solution, it offers young people alternatives to traditional employment. However, we must ensure fair pay and protection for gig workers,” he added.

Prof. Nuwagaba also emphasized entrepreneurship as a critical driver for job creation and innovation. 

He added, “Entrepreneurship is the backbone of job creation and innovation. It diversifies the economy and reduces reliance on a single industry, providing sustainable pathways for growth and resilience.”

Government initiatives have begun addressing these challenges. In 2022, the Small Business Recovery Fund was introduced to facilitate access to finance for 50,000 micro and small enterprises, with at least 40% women and 30% youth benefiting. Programs such as GROW and INVITE have further supported entrepreneurs and created thousands of jobs.

“By working together, the government and private sector can build a thriving ecosystem for employment and entrepreneurship. This will not only empower our youth but also transform the economy for long-term prosperity,” Prof. Nuwagaba noted.

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Uganda hosts 48th East African Air Transport Facilitation meeting at Speke Resort Munyonyo

By
Our Reporter
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Participants at the conference.

Uganda, through the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), is hosting the 48th East African Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport (EAC-FAL) at Speke Resort Munyonyo from November 26-28, 2025.

The meeting was officially opened by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala who welcomed delegates from across the East African Community, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), the African Union Commission, and several partner agencies.

In his opening remarks, Gen. Katumba Wamala highlighted Uganda’s strong commitment to regional aviation cooperation, improved passenger facilitation, and enhanced air transport efficiency. He noted Uganda’s growing role in regional air transport, pointing out that Entebbe International Airport handled over 243,000 international passengers in August 2025 alone, while Uganda Airlines continues to expand its network to 17 destinations.

Speaking on behalf of the UCAA Director General, Ms. Olive B. Lumonya, the Deputy Director General emphasized the importance of harmonizing facilitation standards across the region to ensure the seamless movement of passengers, cargo, and aircraft in line with ICAO’s Annex 9 on Facilitation.

She also commended the inspection of Entebbe International Airport carried out by delegates earlier in the week, noting that their feedback is vital for continuous improvement in airport operations.

Delegates are set to deliberate on key issues, including reviewing progress on ICAO standards implementation, strengthening regional cooperation on air transport facilitation, enhancing efficiencies in passenger, cargo, and aircraft processing, and supporting tourism, trade, and connectivity across East Africa.

As Uganda continues to invest in modern infrastructure, including the expansion of Entebbe International Airport’s passenger terminal, the rehabilitation of key runways, and the development of Hoima International Airport, meetings like the EAC-FAL reaffirm the country’s dedication to providing safe, efficient, and globally competitive aviation services and standards.

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Speke Resort Munyonyo hosts ambitious Uganda Connect International Buyers Week

By
Our Reporter
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Vice President Jessica Alupo pose with top government officials and other guests at the Uganda Connect International Buyers Week.

The Uganda Connect International Buyers Week is currently underway at Speke Resort Munyonyo, bringing together global buyers, investors and top Ugandan exporters in a push to boost the country’s export capacity and market visibility. 

The high-level event, running from 25–28 November 2025 is organized by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) under the theme “Meet. Connect. Trade.”

The Buyers Week aims to position Uganda as a competitive and dependable supplier of premium products and services to international markets. Delegations are participating in B2B meetings, factory tours, product sampling sessions, and direct trade negotiations intended to elevate Uganda’s export footprint.

PACEID Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo said the ongoing event demonstrates Uganda’s determination to link its exporters directly to global demand. 

“We treat Uganda as a company, and every company must have a strong sales and marketing department,” he said. 

He added,“This Buyers Week shows what a country can achieve when demand increases. We are targeting USD 1 billion in export contracts.”

President Museveni’s message was delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo, urging, “Turn interest into actual orders and orders into enduring partnerships.” 

President Museveni said the Buyers Week was not merely an exhibition but a strategic platform to deepen Uganda’s integration into global value chains.

“The main focus of this week is to consolidate efforts aimed at turning interest into actual orders and orders into enduring partnerships that can result in jobs and incomes for our people,”Museveni’s message read.

He highlighted Uganda’s competitive advantages, including a young, educated population, year-round agricultural potential, improved infrastructure, and strong political stability.

He also praised the rise of key export sectors such as coffee, dairy, gold, and horticulture, revealing that Uganda earned $5.23 billion in exports in the first half of 2025 alone.

He said that coffee continues to show strong earnings while dairy output reached 5.4 billion litres by the end of 2024, with new markets emerging in Nigeria and Algeria.

Matthew Bagonza, PACEID Head of Secretariat, noted that the activities at Munyonyo reflect a practical transformation of Uganda’s export potential into structured and sustainable partnerships. 

“This event showcases our export-ready products and services to the world. It is a clear expression of our mission of turning production capacity into real market access,” he said.

This year’s edition has introduced the Uganda Connect Marketplace, an open-access platform at the resort where selected Ugandan brands are exhibiting their products through live demonstrations and consumer engagement.

PACEID Director of Markets, Ms. Brenda Katarikawe Opus said the event’s ongoing engagements are helping to enhance market access by addressing barriers faced by exporters and strengthening buyer confidence in Uganda’s quality standards. She added that discussions with international delegates are generating valuable market intelligence to guide future export strategies.

With more than 100 Ugandan suppliers, over 20 vetted international buyers and at least 50 export-ready products showcased, the event is expected to unlock significant trade and investment opportunities valued at approximately USD 1 billion.

Prof. Rev. Florence Muranga, Director General of PIBID, praised PACEID for designing platforms that allow Ugandan exporters to diversify and expand their global reach. She also applauded President Museveni for supporting initiatives that grow non-traditional exports.

The Buyers Week is part of the Uganda Connect Model, a long-term strategy aimed at promoting exports, attracting foreign investment, and building durable confidence in Ugandan products through traceability, branding excellence, and continuous engagement.

The exhibitions and matchmaking sessions have received strong backing from several corporate sponsors, including Afri Shamba Ventures, Great Lakes Coffee, Kikobero Coffee, Ug Exim, Pure Grow Africa, The Edge Trading, Funzo Coffee, Arise Kollections, AGRA, Endiro Coffee, Intracom Fertilizers SMC Ug Ltd, Bunga Leisure Gardens, and Housing Finance Bank.

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Ballot paper printing for presidential and MP candidates progressing well in Dubai- Byabakama 

By
Simon Kabayo
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EC Chairman, Justice Simon Byabakama.

The Electoral Commission has confirmed that the printing of ballot papers for the 2026 General Elections is in full gear, with all materials for the Presidential and Parliamentary races currently being produced in Dubai. 

According to the Commission, the process is running efficiently and on schedule as preparations intensify ahead of next year’s polls.

Speaking during an update on the nomination and election roadmap, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said the Commission is determined to deliver a transparent and credible election. He also addressed concerns arising from the nomination exercise, which attracted more than 83,597 candidates vying for 45,505 elective positions across the country.

Justice Byabakama revealed that the Commission received about 300 petitions and complaints after nominations. He stressed that every matter was assessed objectively and handled within the law.

“We reviewed and determined each petition based on the law, the Commission’s constitutional mandate, and the evidence and merit of each case,” he said.

He downplayed public concerns about the volume of petitions, noting that they represent only a small proportion of the total number of candidates.

“I would like to state that while the number of 300 may appear high, taken out of the total number of over 83,597 nominated candidates for the 45,505 elective positions, it becomes clear that the majority of the nominations were undertaken and concluded without any incidents,” he explained.

Justice Byabakama assured the public that the Commission remains committed to fairness, impartiality and timely resolution of all issues ahead of voting day. He emphasized that the stability seen during the nomination phase was an important foundation for the next stages of the electoral process.

The Commission has contracted several reputable international and local firms to print ballot papers for the different elective positions. The Dubai-based Al Ghurair Printing & Publishing LLC is handling the production of ballot papers for the Presidential race, directly-elected Members of Parliament, District Woman MPs, District and City Chairpersons, directly-elected City Councillors, and Woman Councillors at district and city levels. The Commission said printing in Dubai is progressing smoothly under strict supervision.

The Commission is also partnering with other global firms to print ballots for different elective positions. UniPrint South Africa in Durban is producing ballot papers for Sub-county, Town, and Municipal Division Chairpersons. Inform Lykos Hellas in Athens, Greece, is printing ballot papers for Sub-county, Town, and Municipal Division directly elected Councillors and Women Councillors. Additionally, Sintel Security in Nairobi, Kenya, is handling the production of ballot papers for Special Interest Groups across Districts, Cities, Municipalities, Sub-counties, Town Councils, Municipal Divisions, and Local Governments. 

In Uganda, Picfare Industries Ltd in Kampala is printing ballot papers for Municipality and City Division Chairpersons and Woman Councillors, while Graphics Systems Ltd, also based in Kampala, is producing the ballots for Municipality and City Division directly elected Councillors.

Justice Byabakama encouraged political parties participating in the Presidential race to submit the names of their official agents who will be accredited to witness the delivery of the ballot boxes from Dubai. He explained that parties are expected to observe the arrival of ballot papers printed outside the country at the airport, while those printed locally will be delivered directly to the Commission’s warehouses.

The Electoral Commission says these measures are aimed at reinforcing transparency and confidence in the electoral process as the country moves steadily toward the 2026 General Elections.

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Ruto eulogizes Raila Odinga’s sister Beryl Achieng as a trailblazer in public service

By
Our Reporter
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Ms Beryl Achieng Odinga,

President William Ruto has paid tribute to Beryl Achieng Odinga, the sister of Azimio leader Raila Odinga, describing her as an extraordinary professional whose contributions have shaped urban development and public service across Africa.

In his condolence message via X (formerly Twitter), the President praised her pioneering career, which spanned several countries and decades.

“We are mourning a trailblazer whose distinguished professional journey took her from Kenya to Zimbabwe,” President Ruto said. 

He added, “She made her mark as an exceptional urban planner in Zimbabwe in the 1980s, where her expertise and commitment contributed to transformative urban development.”

Ruto highlighted her more recent role at home where she served as the Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company from 2020.

“She served with honour. Her leadership championed far-reaching reforms that strengthened the institution and improved service delivery,” he noted.

The President described Beryl as a woman who opened doors for many, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration.

“We mourn the loss of a great intellectual and a pioneering woman who lit the path for many career women,” he said.

Beryl Achieng Odinga died in Nairobi after a short illness. She was 74.

President Ruto extended his sympathies to the wider Odinga family and called for God’s comfort during their time of grief.

“On my own behalf and that of all Kenyans, I convey heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga on Beryl’s passing. May God’s grace, comfort, and compassion be with you during this difficult time,” he said. 

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ULS condemns police deployment of dogs and forceful arrests at NUP Kawempe campaign

By
Our Reporter
-
Police dogs being unleashed on NUP supporters.

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has condemned the Uganda Police Force following reports and video footage showing canine units, tear gas, and heavy security deployed during a National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential campaign rally in Kawempe on November 24, 2025.

The use of police dogs in a political rally represents a grave breach of the citizen’s right to peaceful assembly, ULS said. 

The rally drew large crowds, some of whom were reportedly not participants but bystanders on nearby roads.

In a statement, ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony said, “Unleashing dogs in a campaign rally is a tool of threat, fear and force and this must not be tolerated.” 

He added, “Historically, police dog deployment during public protests carries a deeply oppressive legacy. During apartheid, South African police developed a terrifying police‑dog regime. Law‑enforcement agencies must not revive such tools of intimidation.”

Asiimwe warned that continuing such practices undermines democratic norms and taints the country’s policing record.

Social media videos show police canine units being driven toward civilians, including women and youths standing on the roadside, while officers with batons and shields followed behind.

Security forces reportedly fired multiple tear gas canisters near the Kawempe‑Ttula junction, sending roadside traders, taxi passengers and schoolchildren fleeing in panic. Some youths filming the events on their mobile phones were immediately arrested, while others scattered into nearby alleys.

The arrests were not limited to rally participants; several detained individuals were ordinary pedestrians, boda‑boda riders, or bystanders using public roads near the venue. The police action left a number of NUP supporters injured and forced some to flee, a chaotic scene compared by many observers to historical episodes of state repression.

ULS has called for an immediate and unconditional stop to the use of police dogs at any political rally or campaign, the unconditional release of all civilians arrested arbitrarily in Kawempe during the campaign events, and strict compliance by law‑enforcement agencies with constitutional policing standards that respect human dignity, liberty, and the rights of all citizens.

ULS warned that if state security agencies continue to treat living creatures as instruments of political coercion and detain innocent bystanders, this undermines the very foundation of the rule of law in Uganda.

The recent crackdown in Kawempe, marked by the use of tear gas, water cannons, pepper spray, and police dogs, appears to form part of an escalating pattern of intimidation and suppression ahead of the 2026 elections. The opposition alleges these actions are aimed at discouraging turnout, suppressing dissent and undermining democratic competition ahead of the polls.

The deployment of police dogs, a tactic internationally associated with repression and intimidation, during political rallies shows worry in crowd control practices in Uganda. 

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Uganda launches bold climate-finance agenda as new strategies move ’From Ambition to Action’

By
Francisco Adongo
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Uganda has unveiled a set of climate-finance strategies designed to turn years of policy ambition into concrete action, as the country commits to building a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.

The Government, through the Ministry of Finance, announced the rollout of the National Climate Finance Strategy 2025–2030, a blueprint intended to guide the country’s transition by strengthening governance, accountability, and coordination across public and private sectors. 

Officials said the strategy will direct climate finance toward interventions that not only curb emissions but also protect communities already feeling the impacts of climate change.

The launch also featured the introduction of Uganda’s first National Green Taxonomy, a framework developed to steer investments into environmentally sustainable activities while eliminating the risk of greenwashing. Authorities noted that the taxonomy will help financial institutions, investors and project developers clearly identify what qualifies as genuinely green, ensuring that climate-related funding is spent where it has real impact.

Another key document released is the Country Climate and Development Report, which details how climate change intersects with Uganda’s long-term development vision. The report emphasises that climate action must be central to the country’s aspirations for economic transformation, stressing that unchecked climate risks could undermine decades of progress in agriculture, infrastructure, tourism and human development.

In a move aimed at strengthening the financial sector’s readiness, government also unveiled Guidelines for Mainstreaming Climate Action in Financial Institutions. Officials explained that the guidelines are intended to embed climate-risk assessments and climate-smart investment principles into routine banking and insurance operations. They argued that the financial sector cannot remain on the sidelines as climate impacts intensify.

To cap the reforms, the National Climate Finance Vehicle was launched as a mechanism to mobilize, coordinate and channel both domestic and international climate finance toward priority mitigation and adaptation projects. Authorities described the vehicle as a major milestone, saying it will help close the climate-finance gap and ensure more predictable funding for Uganda’s nationally determined contributions and sustainable development goals.

Uganda’s progress is already attracting external support. The country has secured $100.8 million from the Green Climate Fund for more than thirteen projects, including $4.6 million to bolster readiness and capacity. 

Through its partnership with the Global Environment Facility, Uganda recently received an additional $11.5 million for initiatives aimed at building low-carbon, climate-resilient systems in livestock, energy, water, sanitation, and rural livelihoods.

The recently published “From Ambition to Action” report reinforces these developments, outlining the need to scale up climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy expansion, green infrastructure and climate-informed planning. It stresses that Uganda must embed climate considerations in every sector to protect vulnerable communities and ensure long-term economic stability.

While the new structures mark significant progress, their success will ultimately depend on sustained political will, robust governance, and active participation from the private sector. As implementation begins, the spotlight now turns to how effectively Uganda can translate these tools into real-world resilience and green-growth outcomes.

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Ex-Lira lands official jailed for three years over defrauding Uganda railways land

By
Emmanuel Okello
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Convicted Francis Ateng.

The Anti-Corruption Court has convicted and sentenced Mr. Francis Ateng , the former Principal Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Lands’ Lira Zonal Office to three years in prison on multiple charges, including abuse of office, fraudulent procurement of a certificate of title, forgery, uttering false documents and conspiracy to commit a felony.

According to court documents, the offenses occurred in January 2018 while Ateng was employed at the Ministry of Lands’ Zonal Office in Lira District.

“The accused, together with others, abused their authority with the intention of defrauding Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) of its land,” the court statement reads.

“He facilitated the irregular issuance of a special certificate of title, arranged for the separation and allocation of the said land, identified brokers, and sold the land to private individuals without following the procedures for disposing of government property,” court noted.

The court further noted that Ateng and his co-accused forged the signature of the then Managing Director of URC, using it to utter false documents that facilitated the transfer and sale of the land.

One of Ateng’s co-accused, Ocen Joseph, had earlier pleaded guilty on the same charges and was sentenced to two years in prison.

The investigations into this land fraud case followed a directive issued by H.E. the President in 2022, tasking the Anti-Corruption Division in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to investigate corruption within Uganda Railways Corporation.

“The directive called for the prosecution of all individuals involved in defrauding Uganda Railways Corporation of its land,” court records state.

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The 1976 Soweto uprising and the NUP/Bobi Wine Kawempe rally canine dogs

By
Our Reporter
-

In what one can describe as a rendition of the 1976 Soweto uprising, when the South African Apartheid regime unleashed canine dogs at students demonstrating against school regulation, the Police on Monday, released its canine dogs at the National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters who had gathered to listen to their principal, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine’s Kawempe rallies.

The NUP Presidential candidate’s rallies in Kawempe North and Kawempe South attracted mammoth crowds in the opposition stronghold area prompting police to use resources available to put the crowd in control.

Earlier on, the Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke announced the banning of campaign processions for candidates in a bid to promote orderly and peaceful campaigns across the country as presidential, parliamentary, local government, and Special Interest Group (SIG) activities continue nationwide.

“Processions are prohibited, candidates should find their supporters at the campaign grounds” Kituuma noted in a statement.

Despite the restrictions, supporters continued to gather from the NUP Headquarters in Makerere Kanule to the rally venues, prompting police to fire teargas at several points to break up crowds both during and after the rally.

During Bobi Wine’s first address at the Kawempe Growers Playing Ground, the police unleashed the dogs on standing supporters and fired teargas to disperse the massive crowds that had gathered to listen to Bobi Wine.

The teargas, dogs and ensuing chaos left a number of NUP supporters with a number of injuries, the scene wasn’t any different from his second rally in Kawempe North.

Bobi Wine condemned the joint security operations in a post on his X account, noting that the acts were meant to intimidate his supporters and derail his campaign trail.

“The day began with the usual military hostility unleashed on our peaceful supporters. The intention was to break us down, but guess what? Our people were unrelenting, and they braved all this intimidation to be part of our revolution. Kawempe has made a bold statement. This is the true definition of the protest vote,” Bobi Wine posted.
Following the day’s events, police in a statement said seven security officers sustained injuries, and several security vehicles were also damaged by the crowd, including an ambulance, following an attack on them at the NUP headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, which prompted the force to respond.

“Security personnel responded by using public order measures to control the rowdy crowds. Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with these incidents” the statement read.

Bobi Wine is set to campaign in Mukono Municipality on Tuesday as he continues his campaign trail.

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Gulu Chief Magistrate’s Court remands businessman over forcible entry into Church land

By
Emmanuel Okello
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Businessman Peter Abola.

GULU-The Gulu Chief Magistrate’s Court has charged and remanded businessman Peter Abola Peter over forcible entry into land belonging to St. Luke Church of Uganda under the Northern Uganda Diocese.

According to the prosecution, between October and November 20, 2025, at Koro Abili Village, Labwoc Parish, Koro Subcounty in Omoro District, Abola unlawfully and violently entered the Church’s land in an attempt to take possession of it.

It is alleged that he transported concrete poles, wire mesh, and chain links onto the property and began fencing it off, including the area hosting a Health Centre II owned by the Church, thereby blocking the community’s access to vital health services.

Contested church land.

Abola also allegedly chased away the health centre staff without presenting any lawful court order. Historical records indicate that St. Luke Church of Uganda has occupied the 18-acre piece of land since 1926, during which they’ve established a church, primary school, and Health Centre II that have served the community for decades without dispute until this incident.

Abola has been remanded until December 10, 2025, when the case will come up for further mention.

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