Over three million Ugandans are set to benefit from a new Shs169.5 billion ($48.7 million) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Business Plan launched by World Vision Uganda. The five-year initiative, running from 2026 to 2030, aims to provide inclusive and climate-resilient WASH services across 41 districts.

The plan was officially unveiled at Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala, drawing government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, and financial institutions.

Jeremiah Nyagah, National Director of World Vision Uganda, described the initiative as a transformative roadmap to ensure every Ugandan has access to safe water and sanitation.

“Mapping the Blue Thread reflects our vision of a future where water, sanitation, and hygiene drive better health, safe learning environments, and lasting change,” Nyagah said. 

He stressed that partnerships between government, communities, and the private sector will be essential to achieving the plan’s goals.

Sustainability, Nyagah noted, requires collective effort. 

“From policy to implementation, everyone must play their part. Communities must also take ownership of these water systems,” he added.

To support transparency and track progress, World Vision plans to use digital tools such as M-Water, allowing real-time monitoring of interventions and enabling stakeholders to assess results at every stage.

Wilfred Komakech, WASH Programs Manager at World Vision Uganda, highlighted the plan’s ambitious targets. “We aim to provide safe water to over one million people, sanitation services to 1.1 million, and hygiene support to 1.2 million. The program will also reach 185 schools and 75 health facilities nationwide,” he said.

Komakech explained that the initiative is rooted in faith, community engagement, and innovation. It will be implemented in close partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, and financial partners including ABSA Bank, Vision Fund, and Sanlam.

Delivering a message from Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Kumi Municipality MP Silas Aogon described the launch as a milestone in Uganda’s journey toward universal access to clean water. He praised World Vision’s ongoing collaboration with government to improve lives and empower communities.

“Access to clean water and sanitation is the foundation of development. It improves health, education, and productivity, particularly for women and children,” Tayebwa’s message stated.

He added, “When communities have reliable water and sanitation services, children thrive, women are empowered, and disease burdens decrease.”

He also welcomed World Vision’s focus on climate-resilient infrastructure and digital monitoring, noting that these innovations will support evidence-based planning and long-term sustainability.

The 2026–2030 WASH Business Plan builds on the achievements of the 2021–2025 program, which expanded safe water access in districts including Buikwe and Kamwenge, promoted hygiene practices, and strengthened community ownership of water facilities.

That earlier program helped thousands of households, schools, and health centers access clean water, reducing disease outbreaks and improving quality of life.

With the new plan, World Vision Uganda aims to scale up its impact, expand innovative solutions, and accelerate progress toward universal access to water and sanitation by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

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President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned 498 officer cadets of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and allied countries of Intake 19/2025 at the Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta. 

The cohort included 10 from the United Republic of Tanzania, 40 from Somalia, 100 from the Central African Republic, and 20 from Mali.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, President Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, congratulated them on joining the army and reminded them of the institution’s rich history and values.

“You have been commissioned into UPDF, which is an army of warriors and heroes, and it is an army that is based on some principles,” he said.

He highlighted Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, discipline, professionalism and fitness as core principles, urging the officers to uphold them throughout their service.

“If you don’t have health, you cannot manage the army work as required,” he added.

The President recalled the historic Salim Saleh 170-kilometre trek in memory of the 1985 operation on Masindi Barracks, noting that the determination displayed during that mission forms the heritage the cadets now inherit.

On the recent attacks in the Rwenzori sub-region, the President applauded the UPDF for successful operations, where security forces repulsed attackers.

“I want to congratulate the CDF and UPDF for how recently they crushed those criminals who showed up in Kasese,” he said.

Museveni further welcomed the officer cadets from Tanzania, Somalia, the Central African Republic, and Mali, emphasising Africa’s ability to develop strong armies without reliance on external powers.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, noted that this was the second officer commissioning ceremony in a month, highlighting the UPDF’s expanded training capacity.

“This is a testament to the UPDF’s improved training capacity, which is a crucial element of our overall national security posture,” he said.

He acknowledged the participation of officer cadets from partner African nations, reaffirming the UPDF’s role in strengthening peace and security across the continent.

On the ongoing political campaigns, Gen Kainerugaba said, “The political campaigns have so far proceeded smoothly, and we commend not only the security forces who are working around the clock to ensure we have a peaceful electoral process, but also the wanainchi who are thus far abiding by the independent electoral commission’s and Uganda police guidelines.”

However, he warned,“We must warn any candidate, presidential or otherwise, who continuously flouts the electoral commission’s guidelines and tries to provoke security forces that we shall not stand for it. This indiscipline must stop. The security of the country will not be compromised merely because a particular candidate is campaigning. It doesn’t work like that.”

In reference to the recent coordinated attacks in Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Fort Portal, General Kainerugaba noted that security forces responded effectively.

Gen Kainerugaba said,“We thank the wanainchi for rallying to our side and strongly supporting our actions to defeat these criminals. We encourage them to maintain that spirit. All those who were captured will be arraigned before the courts to face the law.”

He noted that the recent security incidents in the western region served as a reminder that the country should not relax its guard even when the situation appears calm.

He emphasised the need for constant readiness, recalling the ancient Roman saying that those who desire peace must prepare for war, as he urged continued vigilance.

The Commandant of the Basic Military Training School, Brigadier General John Patrick, described the commissioning as a culmination of 36 weeks of rigorous training.

“These officer cadets stood on the verge of a demanding path and embraced the values of teamwork, leadership, patriotism, and service to the nation,” he said. 

He added,“They drew strength from one another and now represent the future of their militaries as a united and determined force,”

Brig Gen Otongo reminded the cadets that the journey to becoming a military officer is demanding and marked by challenges that only the most committed can overcome. He said these hardships have shaped the cadets into disciplined future commanders, ready to defend their countries with patriotism, courage and integrity.

He urged them to carry forward the lessons learned during training and to uphold the principles of their armed forces as they take on greater responsibilities.

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Uganda will host the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) Global Conference in 2027, an event expected to attract 600 delegates from 132 countries, the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala revealed. 

The confirmation was delivered on his behalf by Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), during the 36th IFATCA Africa and Middle East Regional Meeting held from November 3–5, 2025, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Uganda secured the bid to host the prestigious gathering during the IFATCA Global Conference in Abu Dhabi in May 2025, beating several other contenders. The 2027 conference will place Uganda at the centre of global aviation dialogue, offering an opportunity to showcase the country’s growing aviation sector and hospitality industry.

Speaking to delegates from across Africa and the Middle East, Ms. Lumonya emphasized that even as aviation technology advances, human expertise remains at the heart of air traffic safety.

“The theme of this year’s meeting, ‘Policy Leadership for a Safer Sky: Advancing Strategic Human Capital Development in Air Traffic Management’ reminds us that even in an era of automation and technology, people remain the heartbeat of aviation safety,” she said.

Ms. Lumonya reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to building capacity and investing in the future of aviation professionals.

“In Uganda, we continue to invest in our people through training, in modern air navigation systems, and in regional cooperation. We are enhancing aviation infrastructure, strengthening search and rescue capabilities, and fostering collaboration across our region,” she added.

The 2027 IFATCA conference will mark another milestone for Uganda’s aviation sector, which has steadily grown through infrastructure expansion and regulatory modernization under the UCAA. Entebbe International Airport, the country’s main gateway, has undergone major upgrades aimed at improving passenger experience, safety, and efficiency.

Hosting the global conference is expected to boost Uganda’s visibility as a regional aviation hub and strengthen its partnerships with global air traffic management bodies.

Gen. Katumba, who also serves as Patron of the Uganda Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (UGATCA), has played a key role in guiding the association’s activities and advancing professional standards among its members.

His leadership, coupled with UCAA’s modernization efforts, has helped position Uganda as a credible player in international aviation safety and management discussions.

For more than 60 years, the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations has served as a global voice for air traffic controllers, promoting safety, professionalism, and cooperation among aviation stakeholders. The organization represents over 50,000 air traffic controllers worldwide.

Uganda’s selection as host underscores both the country’s growing influence in the aviation community and IFATCA’s confidence in its capacity to stage a world-class event.

The 2027 Global Conference will bring together aviation regulators, controllers, researchers, and policy experts to discuss innovations in airspace management, human capital development, and the future of aviation safety.

The event will provide a platform to showcase investment opportunities, promote tourism and highlight national achievements in aviation training and modernization.

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Uganda is preparing to borrow a staggering Shs32.075 trillion, representing 44.3% of its Shs72.367 trillion 2025/26 national budget, as the country grapples with dwindling domestic revenues and growing expenditure pressures.

The development reflects the country’s heavy dependence on debt to sustain its fiscal ambitions, even as concerns mount over Uganda’s rising public debt burden and the efficiency of projects funded through loans.

According to projections by the Ministry of Finance, the government expects to raise Shs34.051 trillion from taxes, accounting for only 47% of total budget financing, while non-tax revenue and grants will generate Shs2.745 trillion, equivalent to just 3.7% of the financial requirements. The remaining Shs32.075 trillion will be borrowed from both domestic and external lenders.

Last week, Parliament approved eight new loans amounting to Shs9.755 trillion and a World Bank grant worth $328.3 million (Shs1.146 trillion), sparking renewed debate on the government’s growing appetite for borrowing.

Among the loans approved was Euro230.4 million (Shs925.9 billion) for the design and construction of the Jinja–Mbulamuti–Kamuli–Bukungu road (127km) and Jinja City roads (10km).

Another loan of $121.9 million (Shs425.7 billion) from the African Development Bank was cleared to finance the South Sudan–Uganda Power Interconnection Project. The project triggered heated debate, with legislators questioning why the government is exporting electricity to South Sudan when many Ugandans remain in the dark.

“If government can extend power to Juba, why can’t it connect villages in our own country that still rely on kerosene lamps?” one MP protested.

The government, however, defended the loan, saying Uganda must export excess electricity to reduce payments for deemed energy; the power generated but not consumed locally.

Equally contentious was the approval of Euro192.9 million (Shs775.2 billion) from Citibank for the Agricultural Production, Quality, and Market Access Project. The Committee on National Economy had initially raised red flags, noting that the Ministry of Agriculture was already struggling with idle loans worth $720.6 million (Shs2.5 trillion).

“The Ministry must first build technical capacity before seeking new loans,” the committee warned, urging the establishment of a project management unit with clear timelines and measurable deliverables.

The borrowing gear also extended to the oil and road infrastructure sector, with Parliament approving Euro115.8 million (Shs465.5 billion) from Standard Chartered Bank to finance the Karugutu–Ntoroko–Rwebisengo roads, and $20 million (Shs69.8 billion) from the Arab Bank for Development in Africa (BADEA) for upgrading the Nebbi–Goli road to enhance trade with South Sudan.

Another controversial approval was for the Busega–Mpigi Expressway, where costs have risen from Shs721 billion in 2016 to Shs1.748 trillion today. Parliament nonetheless approved additional financing of Euro188 million (Shs755.8 billion) from the African Development Bank and Euro28.3 million (Shs113.7 billion) from the African Development Fund.

In the health sector, Parliament endorsed loans to improve cancer care, including Euro9.4 million (Shs37.7 billion) from Unicredit Bank Austria for the Mbale Oncology Centre, and $36.5 million (Shs127.4 billion) from the Islamic Development Bank for Arua Oncology Centre and radiotherapy equipment for Mbale.

Government insists these investments will decentralize cancer treatment and decongest the Uganda Cancer Institute at Mulago. 

The largest single loan approved was US$1.341 billion (Shs4.68 trillion) from the World Bank’s International Development Association, alongside grants worth US$328.3 million (Shs1.146 trillion). The funds will support a series of initiatives, including NUSAF IV, the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP), the Uganda Learning Acceleration Program (ULEARN), USMID and PIMPLUS.

Initially, this loan was halted by Parliament due to the Ministry of Finance’s failure to disclose terms of the USMID component.

Another substantial facility; Euro342.5 million (Shs1.376 trillion) was approved for the Karuma–Tororo 400KV transmission line and Ntinda substation project, further expanding the government’s infrastructure-heavy borrowing pattern.

The debt now finances almost half of the national budget, raising questions about sustainability, value for money and the nation’s growing vulnerability to external shocks.

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President Yoweri Museveni has called on African nations to tap into their vast pension and social security reserves, estimated at Shs53 quadrillion ($14 trillion), to fund key infrastructure projects instead of relying on expensive foreign borrowing.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja during the All Africa Pension Summit held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, Museveni emphasized that the continent’s real problem lies not in a shortage of wealth, but in its failure to effectively utilize existing financial resources.

“Africa’s pension funds now stand at about $14 trillion, a figure larger than the lending capacity of the World Bank,” Museveni said.

“If we strategically deploy these funds, we can finance electricity, roads, housing, and education without being trapped in foreign debt,” he noted. 

The president commended Uganda’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF) for channeling investments into affordable housing and renewable energy, saying such ventures demonstrate how local resources can foster inclusive growth. He stressed that development should translate into jobs and wealth creation for ordinary citizens.

The Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, who supervises NSSF, reinforced the president’s message, urging African countries to transform pension funds into engines of domestic growth.

“Our overdependence on external loans has left many nations in debt cycles,” Amongi said.

She added,“We must reimagine our pension schemes as platforms for financing our own transformation.”

She cited successful examples such as South Africa’s Government Employees Pension Fund investing over $1 billion in renewable energy and Nigeria’s National Pension Commission channeling $25 billion into infrastructure.

NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota hailed the strong turnout at the summit, 600 delegates, surpassing the expected 350, as proof of Africa’s growing appetite for self-reliant financing.

Ayota disclosed that pension funds across East Africa are exploring the idea of pooling 1 percent of their combined $40 billion portfolio to jointly finance regional projects.

“Even one percent amounts to $400 million, enough to co-finance projects like the Kampala Expressway, which costs about $12 billion,” Ayota said.

“Such initiatives would attract additional investors while retaining more economic value within the continent,” he added.

Amongi urged pension managers to think beyond traditional savings and become active contributors to Africa’s transformation.

“Let us move from passive savings to active investment. We must invest in ourselves for ourselves,” she said.

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