As the world marks International Women’s Day, women still hold just over 30% of global leadership roles, highlighting the need for faster progress toward equality NEWS ANALYSIS | SYLIVA MULINGE | This month, we join the rest of the world in marking International Women’s Day, a moment to celebrate the …
Read More »Four years of the Ukraine war
How attempts by America and her NATO allies to weaken Russia in this proxy war may wreck the alliance THE LAST WORD | ANDREW M. MWENDA | As a new war rages on in the Middle East, we must not forget that it is four years since Russia invaded …
Read More »Uganda’s youth unemployment problem
As caps flew in celebration at Makerere University, a quieter question lingered in the air: where will these graduates work? COMMENT | SHARIFA NAMATOVU | An estimated 700,000 people enter Uganda’s labour market every year, and as Makerere University held its 76th graduation ceremony recently, about 9,000 more young Ugandans …
Read More »Four regional blocs, one regulatory vision
Africa’s competition chiefs forge united regulatory front NEWS ANALYSIS | JULIUS BUSINGE | Four of Africa’s most influential regional competition authorities have signed a cooperation pact that could reshape how cross-border mergers, consumer protection and market conduct are regulated across 38 countries. The Memorandum of Understanding, signed in Livingstone, Zambia …
Read More »Delivering 10x Growth: What Is our contribution?
For policymakers, the contribution lies in widening access. Entry-level smartphones remain out of reach for many households, partly because taxes significantly increase the retail price. COMMENT | SYLVIA MULINGE | At the beginning of each year, leaders from across MTN’s markets gather to align on our shared ambition: driving digital …
Read More »Airtel Uganda raises dividend on data-driven profit jump
The proposed payout, subject to investor approval, follows a 29 per cent increase in net income to Shs 446.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025 Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Telecom firm Airtel Uganda will pay shareholders a final dividend of Shs 3.55 per share, amounting to …
Read More »Breakthrough sickle cell gene therapy a distant hope in Africa
Advocates stress that while gene therapy is causing a buzz in wealthy countries, African governments must prioritise prevention, screening and accessible treatment NEWS ANALYSIS | JOHN MUSENZE | As Uganda rolls out mandatory nationwide screening of newborns for sickle cell disease this month, a gene therapy celebrated in the United …
Read More »Visa-free travel seen as key to unlocking AfCFTA growth
More than half of intra-African travel still requires visas before departure – slowing intra-continental trade Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | THE INDEPENDENT | African policymakers, business leaders, and development institutions have renewed calls for visa-free travel across the continent, describing the free movement of people as essential to unlocking Africa’s economic transformation …
Read More »BAT Uganda revenue slumps 18% as illicit cigarettes bite profits
The board of directors proposed a final dividend of Shs 199 per share, down 5% from Shs 210 in 2024, payable July 31 to shareholders on record as of July 24 Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | British American Tobacco Uganda Ltd. saw gross revenue fall 18% in the 2025 …
Read More »Uganda’s dilemma on Sudan
Analysts say Museveni-Dagalo meeting has created ‘political normalisation of RSF’ Kampala, Uganda | IAN KATUSIIME | Uganda’s mediation role on Sudan, which has been locked in a civil war for almost three years, has caused consternation among those watching the conflict and hoping for a peaceful resolution. Last November, President …
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The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price