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 …
Read More »Uganda’s KPC IPO move: Coup or risk?
Participation is secured, but profitability and prudence remain under scrutiny Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | For more than 50 years, Uganda depended on its eastern neighbour, Kenya, to transport the fuel that powers its economy, but had little influence over the infrastructure and pricing decisions shaping that supply. That dynamic …
Read More »On America’s war with Iran
How the current conflict in the Middle East is reordering the world and may risk a dangerous escalation THE LAST WORD | ANDREW M. MWENDA | The joint USA-Israel attack on Iran has set the Middle East on fire and risks a global conflict of unimaginable proportions. It is …
Read More »When Uganda’s emergency crises become cash cows
Despite laws in place, predictable emergencies are still being exploited, revealing gaps in planning and accountability Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | In Uganda, disasters ranging from seasonal floods, landslides, to public health emergencies—rarely spare ordinary citizens. Families displaced by floods can spend weeks in makeshift shelters, while overstretched health facilities …
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The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price