Gold continued to dominate export receipts, contributing over 40 percent of merchandise exports, although much of this reflected re-exports. Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | Uganda’s economy in 2025 closed the year on a relatively strong footing, marked by steady growth, low inflation and cautious macroeconomic management, but beneath the …

Mergers and acquisitions in 2025 reflected a shift toward consolidation, regional scale and restructuring as firms responded to tighter regulation and rising capital demands. From cross-border bank takeovers and insurance mergers to fintech spin-offs, companies moved to strengthen balance sheets and position for long-term growth. The Independent highlights the key …

  COMMENT | OBED K KATUREEBE | Scholars have defined political opportunism as aiming to increase one’s political influence at any price, or a political style that involves seizing every and any opportunity to extend political influence, whenever such opportunities arise. Typically, opportunist political behavior is criticized for being short-sighted or …

   Mbarara, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU) yesterday marked a major milestone with the graduation of the first-ever cohort of 36 women and girls under the Leesu Skilling Initiative, a six-month vocational training programme designed to equip women and girls with practical skills for sustainable …

    Arua, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  The Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol Uganda Chapter (CAIA–Uganda), in partnership with the West Nile Education Trust Fund (WNETF) and other partners, held a community marathon on 27th Dec, 2025 in Arua. This aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyle choices among communities in West Nile …

Critics have compared the offensive against Venezuela to the Iraq war, citing a familiar mix of regime-change rhetoric and security pretexts, whose fundamental aim is to serve Washington’s oil interests. BEIJING | Xinhua | Since late August, the United States has ramped up military presence in the Caribbean off Venezuela’s …

SPECIAL FEATURE | OWEN NYAKA | Titus Virinyu was diagnosed HIV+, and health experts recommended him to take anti-retrovirals (ARVs) for life on a daily basis to prolong his life. Virinyu (pseudonym), who also has a mental problem, does not take the medication as per the doctors’ prescription. Sometimes he does …

  But the opposition faces the ruling party’s continued use of violence to manipulate the election   NEWS ANALYSIS  | LUKE MELCHIORRE |  On the eve of Uganda’s 2021 presidential election, it was clear that regardless of how Ugandans voted, the incumbent, Yoweri Museveni, would most likely be declared the winner. Amid …

  COMMENT | ALFRED GERESOM MUSAMALI | I have seen an alarmist letter (attached) allegedly written by one Joram Khamboson Mayatsa, who calls himself Umukuuka IV uwa Inzu ya Masaaba (IYM), mobilising all Bamasaaba of Uganda, Kenya and the Diaspora to participate in and support the upcoming “Circumcision Day” for …

On Dec. 19, Richard Yego, Managing Director of MTN Mobile Money Uganda Ltd., spoke to business reporters about the company’s performance in 2025 and its outlook for 2026. During the discussion, Yego provided insights into MTN Mobile Money’s growth, innovations, and ongoing efforts to expand financial inclusion across Uganda. The …