The News Today

Belgian in alleged US$1bn scam Kampala, Uganda | HAGGAI MATSIKO | President Yoweri Museveni commissioned it on Feb.20 amidst pomp and celebration, but just nine months later African Gold Refinery (AGR) has run into big trouble. Its Belgian owner, Alain Goetz, has been uncovered as a dealer in so-called “conflict or blood …

Why cost per Mbps has dropped by 73% in last three years Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | The cost of internet in Uganda has dropped by 73% to US$70 per Mbps over the past three years, signaling a reduction in the cost of doing business. In an exclusive interview with …

Kampala, Uganda | GODFREY SSALI | The Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has told parliament that the Sh29 million given to Members of Parliament (MPs) to consult on the proposal to ammend the constitution, sparked the ongoing industrial strike of government doctors. Parliament released the money recently to allow …

Energy minister launches construction of Karuma Dam employer’s facility Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | On Oct. 27, the State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Simon D’Ujanga, launched the construction of a Permanent Employer’s Camp at the 600MW Karuma Dam. The facility’s cost is part of the entire US$1.7 billion …

What the 2017 –2022 government strategy means to Uganda Kampala, Uganda | ISAAC KHISA | Uganda’s central bank in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has unveiled a five-year financial inclusion strategy to enable more individuals and business access affordable financial products and services. The Uganda National …

But experts wonder if economy can survive local and regional political turmoil Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | There is some good news for Uganda’s economy finally. The Central Bank’s latest annual report shows a sharper GDP growth in 2016/17 than had earlier been estimated. The FY2016/2017 growth figures released on …

Kayihura in trouble: The story behind arrest of top cops, the Rwanda twist Kampala, Uganda | HAGGAI MATSIKO | Days after it happened, the scene at the army General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala, on Oct.27 remains unforgettable. Seven police officers; among them a few very senior ones, were paraded for trial …

Operators fear strict registration requirement will slow growth of subscribers Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | Telecom firms now feel confident in carrying out their business following the conclusion of a mandatory Simcard registration and validation on August 31, 2017, according to Godfrey Mutabazi, the executive director at the Uganda Communications …

Kampala, Uganda | ANDREW S. KAGGWA | Days after parliament quietly passed the National Biotechnology and Biosafety Bill, widely known as the ‘GMO Bill’, in early October, Meg Hilbert Jaquay, the Managing Director of Jakana Foods Limited, remains sad. Her company exports 30 metric tonnes of organic dried fruits to U.S., Europe, …

Fine Spinners plan to sell T-shirts at US$3 on the local market Kampala, Uganda | ISAAC KHISA| It is Oct. 17, eighteen representatives of importers from Germany are touring Fine Spinner’s garment factory in Bugolobi, a Kampala suburb filming various activities and to ascertain the company’s production processes and capacity. Later, …