Browsing: Business

Despite growing Uganda’s food and employing over 60% of the workforce, most farmers have no health insurance, no retirement savings, and no financial protection against crises. A new report by the Economic Policy Research Centre reveals the stark exclusion of agricultural workers from social insurance schemes—and offers a blueprint for change. With flexible, farmer-friendly policies and smart use of cooperatives, Uganda could finally extend protection to the backbone of its economy. But time is running out. If reforms aren’t made, the cycle of rural poverty will only deepen.

In a bold step toward a more inclusive digital future, visually impaired Ugandans are mastering computer skills—and leading the charge to bridge the tech divide. At a graduation ceremony held at UICT, graduates of the ICBVI program weren’t just handed certificates; they were handed the tools to rewrite Uganda’s digital future for millions living with disabilities.

The March 2025 CIRIUM On-Time Performance report reveals a sharp rise in punctuality among global airlines, with Saudia and Royal Jordanian leading the pack. As the industry redefines reliability in a post-pandemic world, on-time performance is proving to be more than just a number—it’s a powerful strategic asset. This edition also marks a methodological shift, retiring the LCC category and introducing “Most Improved OTP” to spotlight long-term progress.

A new EPRC study reveals a widening digital divide in Uganda’s labour market, with sectors like agriculture, mining, and informal retail lagging far behind in digital transformation. While ICT and finance sectors reap the benefits of digital growth, over 70% of Ugandans remain locked in low-tech jobs, limiting wages, productivity, and inclusion. Experts warn that unless rural and informal workers are digitally empowered, Uganda risks widening inequality and missing its development goals.

A new EPRC study reveals Uganda’s digital economy is booming in ICT, finance, education, and professional services—but the benefits remain largely urban. With sectors like agriculture and mining lagging far behind in digital integration, the country faces a stark divide in job quality, wages, and opportunity. Can targeted investments and inclusive policy reforms bridge the gap?

In Kampala’s bustling markets, vendors are swapping paper ledgers for smartphones, thanks to a groundbreaking digital skills program. With mobile money, inventory apps, and online marketing, traders like Jane Nakitto are transforming their businesses. “Now my phone tells me what sells best,” she says. The program, a collaboration between the Ministry of ICT, MTN Uganda, and Huawei, is empowering 851 vendors to embrace the digital economy—one transaction at a time.

Uganda’s hospitality industry may be booming, but for the workers behind the scenes, it’s a different story. A new Decent Work Assessment by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), funded by Enabel Uganda, reveals alarming conditions: wages as low as 31% of a living wage, forced overtime, unsafe working environments, and job insecurity. Many employees work 14-hour shifts without overtime pay, suffer delayed salaries, and endure favoritism in promotions. Without urgent reforms, the industry risks thriving at the cost of its workers’ dignity and well-being.

As many schools in Uganda struggle with financial challenges, from teacher salary arrears to urgent repairs, KCB Bank Uganda has stepped in with a lifeline for educational institutions. The Unsecured School Bridge Loan offers schools between UGX 5 million and UGX 500 million with no collateral required, providing much-needed relief for operational and capital expenses. Loan approvals are processed within 48 hours, with flexible repayment plans aligned to school fee collection cycles. Could this be the solution to keeping schools running and students learning?