KAMPALA, UGANDA | Xinhua | Uganda’s public debt has risen sharply, largely driven by preparations for the country’s first oil production, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said in a report released Friday. The Debt Sustainability Analysis Report for the 2024/25 financial year shows that total public debt …
Read More »How Uganda’s Music Industry bailout ended up under investigation
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | In January 2026, President Yoweri Museveni made headlines with what was framed as a lifeline to Uganda’s struggling creative industry: a UGX 1.5 billion donation to the Uganda Music Promoters SACCO (UMPS). Announced as a revolving, low-interest loan fund, the money was intended to …
Read More »A decade of Earnest Rubondo’s leadership at PAU
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | After ten years at the helm of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Ernest Rubondo is stepping down, leaving behind a legacy that has significantly shaped Uganda’s oil and gas sector, even before the first barrel of oil is produced. He will officially leave office …
Read More »Auditor General flags billions lost in Uganda’s cost-cutting RAPEX
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The government’s flagship cost-cutting reform, the Rationalisation of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX), has cost taxpayers tens of billions of shillings in disputed payouts, exposed serious asset mismanagement, and created fresh fiscal risks, the Auditor General’s 2026 report reveals. Payments totaling UGX 46.8 …
Read More »How government levies are taxing Uganda’s unemployed youth
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | For Paul Okello, a graduate of Public Administration and Management, the road to employment has been a marathon with no finish line. Since 2011, he has navigated a grueling cycle of applications and interviews, appearing on nine different shortlists for government positions across Northern …
Read More »Migrants in Uganda rebuild lives through culture, skills and enterprise
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | On a busy stretch along Gaba Road in Kampala, opposite Bunga Market, a small studio pulsates with music, laughter, and rehearsals of cultural dances. Inside, cameras roll as multilingual nursery rhymes are recorded, not just for entertainment, but for survival, identity, and belonging. This …
Read More »Court Martial resumes operations after Supreme Court reforms
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDPENDENT | The General Court Martial has resumed operations at Makindye in Kampala after more than a year of inactivity, following a Supreme Court decision barring the trial of civilians in military courts. The military court, which had halted proceedings in compliance with the landmark judgement, …
Read More »What’s Next for Museveni?
Can President Museveni translate his immense political support from the recently concluded elections into capital to drive massive political and economic reforms that will cement his legacy? COMMENT | NNANDA KIZITO SSERUWAGI | President Yoweri Museveni won the 2026 polls with his highest score (71%) since 1996 (74%). Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi …
Read More »Lawyers seek recusal of Judge Kinobe in Masaka vote recount case
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Lawyers have asked Acting High Court Judge Simon Peter Kinobe to excuse himself from hearing the application for judicial review against the contested Masaka City Woman MP election vote recount. National Unity Platform’s candidate for the Masaka District Woman Member of Parliament, Rose Nalubowa, petitioned the High …
Read More »How Uganda’s economy can withstand global turmoil
COMMENT | BETHUEL KARANJA | From Washington to Beijing, the global economic weather is turning unpredictable. Trade rules that once anchored international commerce are fraying under the strain of protectionism, geopolitical rivalry and economic nationalism. For a small, open economy like Uganda’s, deeply plugged into global commodity markets, capital flows …
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