Author: Lucas Musisi

KAMPALA – By December 2023, Uganda’s public debt surged to USD 24.69 billion (UGX 93.38 trillion), marking a significant rise from the USD 21.74 billion (UGX 80.77 trillion) recorded at the end of December 2022. This 13.6 percent increase in debt stock over the year was primarily driven by substantial loan disbursements and heightened domestic borrowing to meet budgetary demands. The latest figures were revealed in the Ministry of Finance’s Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy (MTDS) report for the fiscal years 2024/25 to 2027/28. “The notable increase in external debt was largely due to budget financing loans, including a substantial USD…

Paul Put, the Cranes’ coach, and the FUFA Technical team have named the squad set to prepare for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Cranes will host Botswana on June 7 and Algeria on June 10 at Namboole Stadium. The goalkeepers include Isma Watenga, Nafian Alionza, Crispus Kusiima, and Braddy Jeans Wokorach. The forwards feature Steven Mukwala, Denis Omedi, Shaban Muhammad, Fahad Bayo, Rogers Mato, Patrick Kakande, Umar Lutalo, and Allan Okello. Coach Paul Put has also called up six midfielders, including Khalid Aucho and Travis Mutyaba. Holding the line, the squad boasts nine solid defenders, ready to…

Uganda’s explicit contingent liabilities continued to rise this year. By December 2023, the number of loan guarantees had increased from 9 to 12, bringing the total guaranteed loan portfolio to USD 120 million. This increase was primarily driven by disbursements from international financial entities such as the Islamic Development Bank, International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, OPEC Fund, and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, according to the latest Contingent Liabilities Annual Report for FY 2022-2023. The Uganda Development Bank Limited and the Islamic University in Uganda are the major holders of these guarantees. Despite an 8.1% increase in…

SC Villa ended their 20-year championship title drought by clinching the StarTimes Uganda Premier League on Saturday, May 18, after a nail-biting 2-0 victory over NEC FC at the Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo. It was a tense final day of the season for the Jogoos’ fans and officials, who were haunted by last year’s heartbreak when their beloved side fell 0-1 to URA FC in a similar situation. The buildup and the 90 minutes against NEC FC kept the entire Villa fraternity on the edge of their seats, but this time, they were rewarded with triumph instead of tears. Let’s…

Kampala, Uganda – May 14, 2024 – The Tax Appeals Tribunal of Uganda has outlined a series of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing its efficiency and service delivery in the upcoming financial year. This ambitious plan, detailed in a recent LinkedIn post, underscores the Tribunal’s commitment to becoming a center of excellence in tax dispute resolution. Increased Sessions The Tribunal plans to significantly increase the number of daily sessions, doubling the current average from 8-10 to 16-20. This expansion is made possible by the Tribunal’s fully constituted membership, which provides the additional capacity needed to handle more cases efficiently. “With…

Nairobi, Kenya, May 15, 2024 – Airtel Africa plc has released its annual results for the year ending March 31, 2024, showcasing significant growth metrics and a resilient performance despite a volatile macroeconomic environment. This report underscores Airtel’s strategic advancements and the critical role of East Africa in its growth narrative. Customer Base and Digital Inclusion Airtel Africa’s total customer base expanded by 9.0 percent to reach 152.7 million, according to the Quarter 4 Financial Results released in a statement on May 15. The company has made substantial progress in bridging the digital divide, evidenced by a 17.8 percent increase…

In a landmark event on May 14, Dr. Amina Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, announced the launch of the laptop distribution exercise under the Parish Development Model (PDM), marking a significant step towards technological empowerment and sustainable development in Uganda. Addressing a gathering of dignitaries, government officials, and stakeholders, Dr. Zawedde emphasized the transformative potential of the Parish Development Model Information System (PDMIS) since its inception in the Bukedi region on February 26, 2022. “Today, we commemorate a significant milestone in our quest to harness technology for sustainable development,” she stated. “This laptop handover…

Ready for 2026 Qualifiers The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially authorized the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to host international matches at Mandela National Stadium, also known as Namboole. This approval marks a significant development for Uganda Cranes, who will now play their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier matches against Botswana and Algeria on home soil in June. The decision underscores Namboole’s compliance with international standards, promising an electrifying atmosphere as the Uganda Cranes return to a familiar venue. Since March this year, the Uganda Cranes have been without a fixed home venue. They had been…

Today’s launch of Uganda’s national population and housing census marks a pivotal step towards informing the country’s future development strategies. This comprehensive survey, which began today, May 10, is strategically crafted to collect intricate data concerning the socioeconomic status and health conditions of Uganda’s populace. Anticipated to serve as a cornerstone in policymaking, the census is poised to facilitate the alignment of public services and infrastructure with the evolving needs of Ugandan citizens. The questionnaire, meticulously crafted to capture a wide array of data, focuses heavily on functional difficulties, mental health, and economic activity, addressing some of the most pressing…

LUCAS MUSISI In Uganda, the recent elections have underscored a disturbing trend: an escalation in violence against women voters, particularly in the Teso and Acholi sub-regions. The latest policy brief published by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) has unveiled a troubling pattern of physical altercations and verbal confrontations at polling stations, with women being coerced into voting for specific candidates or facing intimidation. “Violence against women during elections is not only a denial of their democratic rights but also a serious impediment to their participation in the political process,” says the policy brief published on the EPRC website. Despite…