Author: Lucas Musisi

LUCAS MUSISI The recent statement by President Museveni on the tragic terrorist attack in Queen Elizabeth National Park serves as a critical inflection point in Uganda’s ongoing struggle against domestic and cross-border terrorism. The attack, which claimed the lives of a newlywed tourist couple and their Ugandan driver, not only cast a pall over the country’s security measures but also raised pressing questions about the effectiveness of anti-terrorism operations in the region. To begin, the incident shines a spotlight on Uganda’s tourism industry, a crucial contributor to the country’s economy. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a prime tourist destination, and…

LUCAS MUSISI As Uganda gears up to celebrate its 61st Independence Day anniversary on October 9, 2023, it proudly showcases substantial growth and prospects across various domains. The nation’s GDP is on a promising rise. By the close of 2023, projections show it reaching US$ 48.29 billion. This upward trajectory is set to persist in the coming years, granting Uganda greater self-reliance in development and reducing dependence on external influences, according to a government official statement. Tourism has become a key economic pillar. With its rich ecosystems, Uganda has earned a spot in CNN’s list of the top 10 global…

By Lucas Musisi The Ugandan dairy sector is surging in both production and demand, not just within its borders but also internationally. This was the focal point of the 16th African Dairy Conference and Exhibition held recently at Hotel Africana, Kampala. Exceptional Growth Samson Akankiza Mpiira, the acting executive director of the Dairy Development Authority (DDA), highlighted the sector’s remarkable growth. Over the past five years (2018-2022), Uganda has seen its milk production rise from 2.51 billion litres to 3.4 billion litres. “This accounts for an 11% annual growth rate, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy,”…

Kampala, September 7, 2023 – Our scientific analysis has shown that the ARV contamination levels in animal feeds are far too low to be of any substantial public health concern. This means there’s no reason for panic or alarm, the National Drug Authority (NDA) said to calm fears triggered by recent media reports about alleged ARV contamination in animal feeds. To set the record straight, NDA said it is authorized to regulate human pharmaceutical drugs. The oversight of food safety and animal feeds falls outside its mandate. In its statement, the authority said it became aware of recent studies citing…

LUCAS MUSISI Bathed in the soft glow of golden afternoon light filtering through the elaborate chandeliers of State House Entebbe, General Kale Kayihura stood in his crisply ironed military uniform. The weight of his medals and commendations bore testament to a lifetime of service to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The air was thick with a mix of nostalgia and solemnity, tinged with an undeniable sense of pride. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, donned a somber but satisfied expression as he officiated the send-off ceremony for Gen. Kayihura and 10 other distinguished army Generals. The…

This isn’t just paperwork – every maize exporter will now be dancing to this tune.

LUCAS MUSISI KAMPALA –On August 8, 2023, the World Bank Group released a statement highlighting its concerns about Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act. The bank suggested that the law fundamentally conflicts with its core values, which stress inclusion and non-discrimination. In response, the World Bank has paused new public financing to Uganda, undertaken a review of its existing portfolio in the country, and proposed additional measures to protect sexual and gender minorities in its financed projects. Implications A Strong Message to Uganda and the World The World Bank’s decision sends a clear message that it values principles of equality and non-discrimination, even…

LUCAS MUSISI KAMPALA –During a briefing held on Tuesday, Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury of the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development, delivered a comprehensive overview of the economy, expenditure releases in the first quarter of the Financial Year, and provided guidance to Accounting Officers on executing the Budget for FY 2023/24. Ggoobi emphasized the importance of implementing fiscal consolidation measures to preserve debt sustainability and support the ongoing post-Covid recovery. The government’s strategy involves optimizing spending in areas that have the greatest impact on the economy. To avoid excessive borrowing, the government is committed to…

BY LUCAS MUKIIBI KAMPALA –The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has just unleashed a storm of expectations upon all accounting officers! In a tweet on Thursday, July 13, Ramathan Ggoobi, the permanent secretary, and secretary to the treasury revealed his high hopes for this financial year. Brace yourselves for some fiscal fireworks, folks! These grand expectations have been artfully encapsulated in the Budget Execution Circular for FY 2023/24, a document that has been dispatched to every Accounting Officer and Chief Executive Officer of State-Owned Enterprises and Public Corporations. This circular is the roadmap to navigate the treacherous terrain…

LUCAS MUSISI KAMPALA, July 11 2023 – On World Population Day, July 11, UNICEF recognized and celebrated the progress made by Uganda in effectively managing its population. “We also advocate for further efforts to balance population growth with the availability of resources, particularly in providing quality care and services for newborns,” a statement issued on Monday reads. With a population of over 45 million, Uganda is experiencing one of the fastest-growing populations globally, with more than 50 percent of its citizens below the age of 18. It is projected that this number will double by 2040, according to the statement.…