Equity Bank Uganda on Thursday organized a public blood donation drive at Mini Price, one of Kampala’s busiest downtown hubs, in a concerted effort to support national health services during World Blood Donor Week.

The bustling streets turned into a community health zone as music played, banners fluttered, and trained medical professionals welcomed volunteers. Dozens of participants — from first-time donors to regular contributors — rolled up their sleeves to give blood. By midday, the turnout had already surpassed expectations.

Barbra Among, Communications Manager at Equity Bank, stressed the urgency of routine blood donations and the bank’s commitment to community health.

“We organized this drive to respond to a very real crisis — hospitals across the country are facing critical blood shortages,” Among said. “By coming here to Mini Price, in the heart of the city, we’re making it easier for the public to participate in something that truly saves lives.”

She noted that blood donation is not only a health imperative but also a moral responsibility.

“You don’t have to be a doctor to save lives. Just showing up and donating a pint of blood can make all the difference,” she added. “We’re proud to support the Ministry of Health and the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service in this vital work.”

According to the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service, the country needs at least 450,000 units of blood annually, but collection efforts often fall short — especially during school holidays when student donations typically drop.

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The Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) has lifted the suspension of Umeme Limited, which was instituted in March 2025 following the expiry of its electricity distribution concession agreement and the subsequent handover of operations to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL).

The suspension, initiated on March 31, 2025, was made in the interest of investor protection and market transparency. It was prompted by public speculation surrounding the end of the concession and the determination of the final buyout amount due to Umeme.

On the same day the suspension was imposed, the Government of Uganda paid Umeme $118 million (approximately Shs432.677 billion) as part of the concession exit settlement.

During the suspension period, Umeme was prohibited from trading and from submitting progress reports or propositions to the Exchange regarding its operational status. The USE explained that this measure was necessary to maintain an orderly market while awaiting key disclosures.

“The involuntary suspension instituted on Umeme Limited on 31st March 2025 and further extended to 12th June 2025 has been lifted.” USE said,

Trading on the Umeme counter resumed following the expiration of the suspension and the subsequent publication of the company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024.

While trading has officially resumed, the USE advised investors to exercise caution and ensure they make informed decisions when dealing in Umeme shares.

The USE further stated that meme Limited will continue to provide timely updates on the decision to pursue full recovery of all outstanding sums due through arbitration in London, as stipulated in the concession agreements with the Government of Uganda. The company will also ensure compliance with continuing listing obligations by keeping the public informed of any material developments.

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Uganda’s private sector confidence in business conditions reached its highest level in nearly two years, with the headline Stanbic Bank Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 56.4 in May, up from 55.3 in April. This figure is well above the 50.0 threshold that signals improved operating conditions.

Christopher Legilisho, Economist at Stanbic Bank, noted, “The PMI expanded to the highest level in 23 months, reflecting sustained momentum in the private sector. Robust new orders and output were driven by increased sales and strong customer demand across all monitored sectors. Firms also boosted staffing levels both part-time and full-time amid rising output, with some offering bonuses to motivate workers.”

Compiled by S&P Global, the Stanbic PMI is based on responses from purchasing managers at approximately 400 private sector firms across sectors including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail, and services. The index is a weighted average of five key components: New Orders (30%), Output (25%), Employment (20%), Suppliers’ Delivery Times (15%), and Stocks of Purchases (10%).

May’s expansion was underpinned by stronger client demand, prompting firms to raise staffing levels and increase input purchases. Anticipation of future growth also led companies to build up inventories.

However, overall input price inflation persisted, driven by higher purchase and staff costs. Firms responded by raising selling prices once again in May, in line with accommodative demand conditions.

“With greater operational capacity, firms were able to reduce backlogs, leading to a further drop in outstanding work,” said Legilisho. “Purchasing activity expanded, and inventories rose as firms increased input buying.”

He added, “Selling prices were raised in response to strong demand, while input and purchase costs continued to rise primarily due to higher operating expenses and increased costs of key goods like cement, soap, and food. This points to a moderate build-up in inflationary pressures. Despite this, firms remained optimistic, anticipating continued growth in demand and output over the next year.”

May marked the fourth consecutive month of improvement in Uganda’s private sector operating conditions. A key driver was the sustained rise in new business placed with firms, supported by strong demand and new customer acquisitions.

Output also continued to grow, extending the expansion trend that began in February. The increase in activity was largely attributed to higher order volumes.

At the sector level, both output and new sales growth were broad-based. Rising demand and increased business needs spurred another round of job creation—the fourth in as many months. All five monitored sectors reported growth in employment, with firms adding both temporary and permanent staff.

This employment growth allowed businesses to reduce their backlogs, which declined for the fifth consecutive month.

Firms expressed strong optimism about future activity, driven by expectations of rising customer demand and increased investment in advertising and promotions.

Meanwhile, input prices continued to climb due to higher costs for materials especially food and fuel as well as increased staffing costs. In response, firms again passed on the cost increases to customers, although the uptick in selling prices was mainly confined to the agriculture and service sectors.

Despite a slight decline in supplier performance, businesses continued to expand input purchases and inventory levels in anticipation of further growth in customer demand and new business.

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