Author: Lucas Musisi

In a vibrant ceremony filled with pride and purpose, 151 students graduated from Vine Culinary and Catering School—many of them former roadside vendors who are now running their own businesses.

Uganda is racing to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which will ban coffee linked to deforestation from entering the EU market. With a December 2024 deadline, the country has launched a nationwide registration of coffee value chain actors to ensure traceability and meet environmental sustainability standards, crucial for maintaining its top export market.

Uganda’s Cabinet has approved the National Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Policy, which aims to position the country as a leading outsourcing destination in Africa. This groundbreaking policy is expected to generate 100,000 new jobs, offering a significant boost to youth employment and driving economic growth.

A new government report reveals a concerning rise in poisoning cases across Uganda, with urban suicides and rural snake bites among the most common causes. The report highlights the urgent need for public education and stronger regulations on household poisons, agricultural chemicals, and hazardous substances.

A recent report reveals that while Uganda’s agricultural sector generated UGX 5.5 trillion in 2019/2020, most farmers earn too little to contribute to a social insurance scheme. With incomes that fluctuate seasonally and remain unstable, many small-scale farmers struggle to save. The study suggests targeting high-income crops like bananas, coffee, and sugarcane for initial insurance schemes, while offering flexible, subsidized contributions to make social insurance accessible.

Business conditions in Uganda declined sharply in the first quarter of 2024, driven by rising inflation, increasing costs, and Uganda’s suspension from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The Uganda Business Climate Index dropped 11 points, signaling a challenging outlook for key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

Uganda has seen significant improvements in economic and social development, with per capita income reaching USD 1,146 in FY2023/24, surpassing the lower-middle-income threshold. Poverty has declined to 20.3%, and life expectancy has risen to 64 years. As outlined in the 2025/2026 budget strategy, key advancements in education, healthcare, and agriculture reflect a more equitable distribution of wealth and improved well-being. However, challenges in agro-processing capacity and social protection coverage remain.

Uganda is set to receive over $600 million in aid from the World Bank and French Development Agency to overhaul its waste management infrastructure in Kampala. With the city producing 600 metric tonnes of waste daily and recent disasters like the Kiteezi landfill tragedy, this funding aims to implement safer, more sustainable disposal practices and prevent future crises.

In June 2024, Uganda’s private sector borrowing surged despite increasing business collapses, with lending institutions extending Shs 1,360.87 billion. The trade sector led the way, securing the largest share of loans, followed by household and real estate credit, indicating sustained demand for financial support amid challenging economic conditions.

Ugandan Foreign Affairs Minister Gen. Jeje Odongo has emphasized the need for a political solution to the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo’s North Kivu region. During a meeting with Irish Ambassador H.E. Kevin Colgan, the minister revealed plans for a summit in Kampala, aimed at fostering dialogue among conflict parties. The discussion also highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Uganda and Ireland, with both nations exploring new avenues for collaboration.