Author: C-News Bureau Chief

The Uganda Cranes face a critical two-legged tie against South Sudan, with the home match on October 11 and the return fixture on October 15. Victories in both games would secure Uganda’s spot in the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco. As the Cranes gear up for this pivotal challenge, the pressure mounts to deliver a performance that could define their journey to the continent’s biggest football stage.

Uganda’s elderly population faces increasing neglect as key government programs like the Parish Development Model fail to reach vulnerable senior citizens. With less than 3% benefiting from financial support, Minister Gidudu warns of a looming social crisis if urgent reforms are not made. Budget cuts and exclusion from money-generating activities further exacerbate the situation.

A new study has revealed that 86% of elderly persons in Uganda suffer from neglect, making it the most common form of abuse among the country’s older population. The study, conducted by Maria Atim and colleagues, also highlights other forms of abuse, including physical, psychological, financial, and domestic violence. The findings call for urgent action to protect Uganda’s elderly from widespread mistreatment and to address the growing needs of this vulnerable population.

Frank Muteganga’s 17th-minute header secured Makerere University a 1-0 victory over Victoria University in their opening match of the 2024/25 Pepsi University Football League. The win marks a promising start for the inaugural champions, who are looking to reclaim the UFL title after their last triumph in 2012. Despite a dominant display, Makerere struggled to finish off several chances, but Muteganga’s early strike proved enough to secure the three points.

Kenya’s public debt is nearing unsustainable levels, with debt servicing consuming nearly 70% of domestic revenue as of June 2024—more than double the recommended threshold. Despite recent interventions, rising inflation, shrinking revenue, and continued borrowing have left the country facing a potential debt default. Experts warn of severe consequences, including economic instability, austerity measures, and further downgrades in Kenya’s credit rating.

In July 2024, Uganda’s Shilling appreciated against the US Dollar, bucking the regional trend of currency depreciation across the East African Community. Meanwhile, Uganda’s fiscal performance outpaced projections, with revenue surpluses and restrained spending resulting in lower borrowing needs. As Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi faced currency pressures, Uganda’s disciplined approach highlights a shift in regional fiscal dynamics.

In June 2024, Uganda’s export earnings dropped by 23.6%, falling to USD 718.60 million, largely due to a decline in mineral product exports. However, coffee exports surged by 27.5%, driven by higher volumes and rising international prices. Key markets like Italy, Germany, and India played a major role in sustaining Uganda’s export growth, especially in the agricultural sector.

Uganda’s entrepreneurial landscape is grappling with a rising tide of business failures, as companies collapse under the weight of crippling debt and poor management. The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) cites inadequate skills, financial illiteracy, and skyrocketing interest rates as key factors contributing to the downfall of many businesses. With more businesses appealing for government bailouts, urgent measures like corporate rescue training are being introduced to prevent further collapses.

Uganda’s export earnings fell to USD 718.60 million in June 2024, a 23.6% decline from the previous month, largely driven by a sharp drop in mineral exports. However, coffee exports surged by 27.5%, reaching USD 162.36 million, supported by higher volumes and international prices. Asia and the EAC emerged as the biggest destinations for Uganda’s trade, while imports decreased by 6.5% during the same period.

In July 2024, Uganda’s government securities market witnessed significant movements, with bond yields showing mixed trends and treasury bill rates generally declining. The 15-year bond yield dropped to 15.80%, while private sector credit grew by 1.3%, indicating a dynamic financial landscape.