Category: Daily Monitor

Musician Ykee Benda reflects on his first car, a Toyota Harrier bought from music savings, describing it as both a breakthrough and a costly early decision that taught him hard lessons about money, timing and success in Uganda’s entertainment industry.

For many Ugandan artistes, the first real sign that the hustle is finally paying off is not a mansion or a sold-out concert. It is the first car. The first time you stop jumping on boda bodas. The first-time friends begin taking your calls more seriously. The first time the industry starts treating you differently.

But while many celebrities romanticise that milestone, Ykee Benda, real name Wycliffe Tugume, looks at his first car with a mix of pride and laughter, pressure and pain, and a few lessons he says only money can teach you properly. His first car was a Toyota Harrier, bought from savings made through music. It changed how he moved around Kampala, boosted his confidence, and upgraded his public image overnight.

But even as he now drives a fleet that includes a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC, a Camaro and a Noah for business trips, he says that Harrier arrived a bit too early in his financial story.

What was your very first car, and how did you get it?

My first car was a Toyota Harrier. I bought it from music savings. I really worked for that money; it was not a gift or anything like that.

Was it your dream car at the time?

Dream car? No. At that time my dream was simpler, just to stop using boda bodas and feel like I had achieved something in life.

Where did you buy it from?

From the bond. And honestly, everything felt like a ceremony back then. I even remember fuelling with Shs100,000 and feeling like a big boss. Today you laugh, but at that time it was serious business.

What was the biggest sacrifice you made for it?

That one is easy, I chose a car over land. Looking back, land is quietly minding its business appreciating… while a car is just there depreciating and asking for fuel. But when you are young and finally get money, you do not think like an accountant; you think like someone who has finally escaped hardship.

Did people believe you when you said you were buying it?

Oh yes. Some people even started respecting me faster. In fact, in music, some people only believe your hustle when they see it parked outside.

Did anything embarrassing or unexpected happen with it?

Yes, unfortunately. I knocked a boda boda man in Muyenga, Kampala. I do not even like revisiting that memory. Whether it was my fault or not, the trauma is shared. And then the car also decided to embarrass me on its own; it broke down at a very critical time during my early concert days. Imagine trying to look like you have arrived… and the car itself has not arrived anywhere.

How did owning it change your image?

It changed everything. In this industry, image is not optional, it is part of the job description. The car gave me confidence, but it also changed how people spoke to me, negotiated with me, even how seriously they took appointments.

Was it more of a status symbol or a work tool?

Both. It was my office, my taxi, and my billboard at the same time. In entertainment, even transport has branding value.

Would you buy that same car again today?

No chance.

Why not?

Because now I know better. That car was expensive for my level at the time. I should have started smaller, built the base, then upgraded later. But when you are young, you do not buy what you can afford, you buy what your dreams are wearing.

What does it represent to you now?

It represents growth. And proof that money from music is real, because some people only believe after seeing four wheels. But more importantly, it reminds me that consistency works.

What did it teach you about success?

To slow down. Honestly, that is it. Sometimes we are so excited to ‘arrive’ that we spend the arrival money before we actually arrive.

Favourite memory in one sentence?

Ah, taking my then-girlfriend on nice dates without boda bodas stress. That feeling was sweet. Very sweet.

Worst moment in it?

The accident. No debate.

How does it compare to what you drive now?

Now I choose cars depending on the mission. I have a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC, a Camaro, and a Noah for business trips. Back then, it was just one car doing everything, hustle, image, survival, everything. In hindsight, that first Toyota Harrier was not just transport. It was his first taste of arrival and a very expensive lesson that sometimes success needs patience more than parking space.

Who is ykee benda?

Ykee Benda, born Wycliff Tugume, is a Ugandan singer, songwriter and music executive known for blending Afrobeat, RandB and pop influences into mainstream Ugandan music.

He rose to prominence with early hits such as Farmer, Malaika, and Banange, which helped establish him as one of the country’s most consistent contemporary artists. Over the years, he has built a reputation not only as a performer but also as a businessman in the entertainment industry.

Beyond music, Ykee Benda is the founder of Mpaka Records, a label aimed at nurturing new talent and creating structure in Uganda’s evolving music scene.

There is a question that appears simple, yet has the power to save a life:

“How are you really doing?”

As Uganda joins the rest of the world in observing Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month this June, the theme for 2026; “Breaking the Silence, Building Resilience” calls upon us to confront a reality that has remained hidden for far too long. It challenges societies, families, workplaces, and communities to acknowledge that mental wellbeing is not a luxury, nor is it a sign of weakness; it is a fundamental human necessity.

For generations, men have been taught to be strong, resilient, and dependable. These qualities are admirable. However, somewhere along the way, strength became confused with silence. Many men learned that vulnerability was weakness, that emotional pain should be endured privately, and that asking for help was somehow a failure of character.

Across the world, millions of men struggle with depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, substance abuse, loneliness, and emotional trauma. Yet many suffer quietly, often reaching a breaking point before seeking support. Mental health challenges frequently manifest not through words, but through anger, withdrawal, addiction, relationship difficulties, declining physical health, and, tragically, suicide.

The modern Ugandan man carries immense expectations. He is expected to provide for his family, lead his household, support relatives, navigate economic uncertainty, and remain emotionally composed regardless of the circumstances he faces. Whether he is a young graduate searching for employment, a father struggling with financial responsibilities, an entrepreneur battling business uncertainty, or a professional navigating workplace pressures, the burden can be overwhelming.

Phrases such as “be strong,” “man up,” and “men do not cry” may be culturally familiar, but they often discourage honest conversations about emotional wellbeing. While intended to build resilience, they can unintentionally create isolation. True resilience is built through connection, support, self-awareness, and the courage to seek help when needed. The strongest men are not those who carry every burden alone; they are those who recognise when they need support and have the courage to ask for it.

This year’s observance invites us to rethink what strength truly means. It means creating homes where fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons can speak openly without fear of judgment. It means building workplaces that recognise mental wellbeing as an essential component of productivity and performance. It means encouraging friendships where conversations go beyond work, finances, and daily routines to include genuine emotional check-ins.

Most importantly, it means listening.

Sometimes the most powerful act of support is not offering solutions but offering presence. A phone call, a conversation, a moment of sincere concern, or simply asking, “How are you really doing?” can make a profound difference. Mental health is not merely a personal issue. It is a family issue, a workplace issue, a public health issue, and a national development issue. When men thrive mentally and emotionally, families become stronger, workplaces become healthier, communities become safer, and nations become more resilient. As we commemorate Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month 2026, let us challenge the culture of silence.

Let us normalise conversations about mental wellbeing. Let us encourage help-seeking without stigma. And let us remind every man that strength is not measured by how much pain he can hide, but by the courage he demonstrates in confronting it. This June, call a man in your life.

Ask him a simple question:

“How are you really doing?”

Then listen.

The conversation may be more important than you realise.

The government has allocated Shs5.23 trillion towards health services in the country in the 2026/2027 financial year, an amount lower than the Shs5.87 trillion in the 2025/2026 financial year.

Finance Minister Henry Musasizi, while delivering the budget speech in Kampala on Thursday, highlighted the achievements in the 2025/2026 financial year and revealed priorities for the next financial year.

‘The government has allocated Shs5.23 trillion to the health sector in the 2026/2027 financial year. The funding will focus on: maternal and child health, nutrition improvement, expanded immunisation, and prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases,’ he said.

The Minister also said their priority is on the provision of essential medicines, strengthening specialised healthcare services, improving emergency response systems and exploring feasible pathways towards Universal Health Coverage.

Among the key achievements in this financial year, Mr Musasizi said was an increase in domestic allocation towards drugs and health supplies in the 2025/2026 financial year to shield the country from shocks caused by the declining donor funding.

‘Government sustained its policy of progressively increasing investment in essential medicines and health supplies. Accordingly, funding through the National Medical Stores was increased by Shs145.33 billion to Shs862.93 billion in the 2025/2026 financial year,’ he said.

According to a 2025 report by Uganda National NGO Forum and the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), the country’s health sector is buckling under a catastrophic drop in donor support. Donor support contributed up to 49 percent of the funding for the sector in 2022, according to the report authors.

The report shows that in 2022, the external (donor) funding towards the sector stood at Shs2.3 trillion. But in 2025, external funding had declined to Shs1.3 trillion.

The report further indicates that this sharp decline, by more than half within four years, amid insufficient increases in domestic resource allocation to plug the gaps and increasing health needs, has exposed deep structural vulnerabilities and left many vulnerable Ugandans struggling to access essential care.

But Mr Musasizi said the government will continue to increase domestic financing for essential health commodities to substantially reduce reliance on donor support.

‘This will guarantee uninterrupted access to essential medicines like antiretroviral medicines, antimalarial drugs, vaccines and immunisation supplies, laboratory commodities, and anti-tuberculosis medicines,’ he said.

The Minister also said the government continued to modernise healthcare infrastructure and equipment, where 17 Regional Referral Hospitals and 25 General Hospitals were equipped with Neonatal Intensive Care Units. He said, in addition, 14 Regional Referral Hospitals received CT scan machines.

‘Construction and upgrading of 31 health facilities across Karamoja is ongoing. The government also completed high-capacity medical waste incinerators in Fort Portal, Gulu, Mbarara, KCCA and Lira. Busolwe, Gombe and Kawolo Hospitals were also rehabilitated,’ he said.

Mr Musasizi said the government also continued to promote preventive healthcare through immunisation, disease prevention and nutrition programmes.

He also highlighted expansion of specialised healthcare services in oncology, cardiology and other fields, reducing the need for treatment abroad.

‘The Uganda Heart Institute conducted 634 cardiac interventions, including open-heart, closed-heart, vascular and catheterisation procedures. In April 2026, the Uganda Cancer Institute successfully performed the country’s first bone marrow transplant,’ he said.

Water and sanitation

Mr Musasizi said they have continued to invest heavily in water and sanitation, which largely falls under the Ministry of Water and Environment.

‘Government has allocated Shs1.013 trillion in the 2026/2027 financial year to further expand access to safe water and sanitation services across the country,’ he said. ‘The objective is to ensure universal access to safe water and sanitation services.’

The Minister also highlighted past achievements in the sector. ‘Access to clean and safe water remains fundamental to public health, human dignity and economic productivity. Government has, therefore, continued investing heavily in water supply and sanitation infrastructure across the country,’ he said.

‘Access to improved water sources continues to expand, with 71 percent of households now having access. Coverage stands at 68 percent in rural areas and 74.5 percent in urban areas,’ he said.

He also said in the 2025/2026 financial year, safe water access was extended to 553 villages. ‘Over 200 large solar-powered water and sanitation systems, several public sanitation facilities and faecal sludge treatment plants were completed in several districts,’ he added.

After a ball has been kicked, the verdict from much of the football establishment seems already written.

There remains a yawning communication gulf between the First World, which largely shapes football narratives, and the Third World, where most African countries belong.

It is therefore hardly surprising that podcasts, previews, pundits and purists have scarcely given any of Africa’s ten representatives a realistic chance of lifting the World Cup diadem.

Yet football, as the old idiom goes, is not played on paper. Indeed, it would be premature to proclaim that destiny is finally tapping Africa on the shoulder.

But the gradual transition from perennial pretenders to genuine contenders appears more permanent than fleeting. Morocco’s historic semi-final run in Qatar four years ago shattered glass ceilings and, with a record ten qualifiers at the first 48-team World Cup, Africa arrived not merely to make up the numbers but to knock on the door of history.

Still, the ghosts of colonialism and, if one prefers, the neo-colonial syndrome, continue to haunt the continent.

Millions of Africans instinctively throw their emotional weight behind France, Spain, Portugal, Germany or Argentina rather than their own. Such psychological dependence is perhaps the last empire yet to crumble.

Bad omens

Ironically, omens have already emerged to test believers. Africa’s finest referee, Somali official Omar Abdulkadir Artan, was controversially denied entry into the United States, depriving the continent of one of its proudest symbols.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s golden generation has aged and fresh controversies with Senegal over the African crown have left bruises and divisions.

More troubling is that few African squads possess the global superstars capable of matching the glittering cast assembled by Argentina, France and Brazil.

On paper, Morocco remain Africa’s standard bearers. Drawn alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti, the Atlas Lions possess enough tactical maturity to survive Group C, although repeating their 2022 miracle seems unlikely.

Count it a success if they make it to the quarterfinals this time and prove that the qtara heroics were not a one off.

Senegal, despite sharing Group I with France, Iraq and Norway, retain their physicality and tournament pedigree.

But internal disputes and off-field distractions may prove costly. Naysayers doubt they can make it farthest riding on the back of Saudi Arabia based Sadio mane.

Côte d’Ivoire face Germany and Ecuador in Group E. The former African champions have quality but their margin for error is razor-thin.

Egypt’s hopes rest heavily on Mohamed Salah. Belgium and Iran represent difficult hurdles.

Tough call

Algeria must somehow navigate Argentina and Austria. Tunisia, South Africa, Ghana and Cape Verde have all landed in shark-infested waters and would regard progression as a triumph.

For Ugandans, the closest emotional attachment lies with Sébastien Desabre’s DR Congo.

The former Cranes coach has transformed the Leopards into a disciplined and resilient machine playing with structure rather than chaos. Yoane Wissa shoulders the burden while youngsters such as Ngal’ayel Mukau embody the future.

But fate has dealt the Congolese perhaps the cruelest hand. Portugal and Colombia await in Group K, with Uzbekistan no pushovers.

The return to the grand stage after a 52-year absence is itself a fairy tale, but extending it beyond the quarter-finals appears a bridge too far.

Perhaps that is the paradox of Africa’s largest contingent. There is a shared belief that these ten teams may produce fewer romantic shocks than Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, Ghana in 2010 or Morocco in 2022.

Instead, they risk becoming bridesmaids in a tournament too close to call and already overshadowed by geopolitics and visa controversies.

But football has always loved tearing up scripts. And should one African flag still be fluttering deep into July, the world may finally discover that the continent’s greatest enemy was never talent. It was doubt.

For more than two years, Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP) Joel Besekezi Ssenyonyi has tasked his shadow cabinet with crafting a budget that responds directly to the hardships faced by millions of Ugandans. Since assuming office on January 9, 2024, Mr Ssenyonyi has consistently framed Opposition budget priorities around building a resilient population, strengthening public institutions, fighting corruption and improving livelihoods.

This approach has also shaped the pressure the Opposition has repeatedly exerted on government to embrace fiscal discipline, reduce excessive consumption expenditure and curb the country’s growing appetite for borrowing. The same principles are reflected in the latest alternative budget. he Opposition’s proposed budget for the 2026/27 Financial Year stands at Shs71.4 trillion, significantly lower than the government’s Shs84.3 trillion spending plan for the next 12 months.

According to the Opposition, the alternative budget has the potential to restore public confidence and rebuild communities across the country. This document goes beyond criticism. It offers a credible, people-focused plan to protect families, support businesses and institutions, and rebuild trust in our democracy and financial system,’ Mr Ssenyonyi said while launching the alternative budget in April at the tail end of the 11th Parliament.

What are Opposition’s priorities?

The Opposition’s budget priorities are organised around four broad thematic areas, each bringing together related sectors under one umbrella. According to Opposition leaders, grouping sectors in this manner reduces duplication, streamlines planning, cuts bureaucratic bottlenecks and lowers administrative costs across government. Mr Ssenyonyi argues that this framework provides a practical roadmap for national development.

‘Our commitment is to advance policies that genuinely serve the interests of all Ugandans, and we will continue to hold government accountable. Our quest is to see a Uganda where every citizen can live with dignity and purpose,’ the Opposition budget document states.

The first and most prominent pillar focuses on safeguarding lives. According to the 350-page budget proposal, this includes strengthening healthcare, education, social protection and the general well-being of citizens.

The cluster encompasses sectors such as health, education and sports, gender, labour and social development, local government and the Kampala Capital City Authority.

The Opposition argues that these sectors deserve priority because they represent the areas where citizens interact most directly with the state and where service delivery failures are often most visible.

The second cluster focuses on sustaining livelihoods through economic production and rural development. It covers agriculture, fisheries, trade, tourism, lands, housing, industry, environmental management and urban development. The third thematic area seeks to strengthen institutions responsible for governance, justice and accountability. The fourth cluster concentrates on infrastructure and connectivity, including transport, energy, minerals, information and communication technology, East African Community affairs and foreign affairs.

Different from govt priorities

Running under the theme ‘Safeguarding Lives, Livelihoods and Institutions’, the Opposition budget advocates greater investment in education, healthcare and agriculture, among other sectors that directly affect citizens. This stands in sharp contrast to the government budget, which places heavier emphasis on mineral development, industrialisation, science, technology and innovation, manufacturing and digital transformation as the key drivers of economic growth.

Government’s budget is built around the theme ‘Full Monetisation of Uganda’s Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialisation, Expanding Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access.’Mr Ssenyonyi argues that while economic growth remains important, government’s priorities do not adequately reflect the challenges confronting ordinary Ugandans. ‘Today, many families are struggling with the rising cost of living. Young people are searching for decent jobs and there are concerns about whether public institutions are serving people as they should.’

Meanwhile, the government has indicated that some existing programmes may be revised or withdrawn. One example is the decision to stop paying medical interns. Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi recently explained that internship should be viewed as part of professional training rather than formal employment. ‘It was agreed that internship should be considered a continuation of training because the numbers are also many, given the increasing number of medical schools,’ Dr Baryomunsi said shortly after the parliamentary vetting exercise.

He added that full employment should begin after completion of internship and qualification as a doctor. ‘The policy has been passed and we shall see how it works as we move forward,’ he added. Also, the government recently announced plans to stop funding national public holiday celebrations beginning in the 2026/27 financial year, a move many observers will watch closely to determine whether it translates into meaningful savings.

A consistent message

Unlike the government, which has consistently promoted science, technology and innovation as the primary engines of economic transformation, the Opposition has repeatedly prioritised direct investment in citizens. The approach is not new.

In the 2024/25 alternative budget unveiled in April 2024, Mr Ssenyonyi emphasised efficient service delivery, accountability and zero tolerance to corruption. At the time, he said, the Opposition’s budget philosophy was rooted in the belief that every Ugandan deserves access to basic services, including clean water, healthcare, education and housing, regardless of economic status.

Those same principles continue to define the 2026/27 alternative budget and reinforce the Opposition’s long-standing call to the government to rethink its approach to improving livelihoods. Ultimately, Mr Ssenyonyi believes Uganda already possesses the resources needed to improve economic outcomes if spending is guided by discipline and focused on priority areas. He has consequently urged Parliament, the Executive and development partners to embrace fiscal discipline and prioritise programmes that improve the welfare of ordinary Ugandans.

Whether government will heed those calls and redirect spending towards programmes that directly tackle poverty, unemployment and the rising cost of living remains to be seen.

The government has introduced a tax holiday for developers of hotels and other ultra-luxury tourism facilities as part of new measures aimed at boosting investment in the tourism sector.

Presenting the National Budget for the 2026/27 financial year at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Thursday, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Mr Henry Musasizi, said the incentive will target investors developing high-end tourism facilities in Uganda.

Under the new measure, foreign investors will qualify for the tax holiday if they invest at least $10 million (approximately Shs37.7b), while Ugandan investors must invest a minimum of $5million (approximately Shs18.8b).

‘Introduction of a tax holiday for developers of hotels and other ultra-luxury tourism facilities investing at least USD 10 million for foreign investors, and $5 million for Ugandan investors,’ the Minister said while outlining tax measures approved by Parliament.

Mr Musasizi noted that Foreign Direct Investment remained strong at USD3.2 billion in the twelve months ending March 2026, which reflects growing investor confidence in Uganda’s economy.

He emphasized that investors are increasingly showing interest in Uganda’s small and medium enterprises, adding that, ‘Kampala-based start-ups attracted about USD 30 million in 2025, up from USD 4 million the previous year, signaling growing confidence in the country’s innovation ecosystem and emergence as a destination for entrepreneurship, technology, and investment.’

The announcement comes as the government continues to highlight the recovery of the tourism sector following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Musasizi noted that tourism receipts increased to USD1.86 billion in 2025, up from USD1.4 billion recorded in 2018/19 before the pandemic. The sector had fallen to a low of $562 million in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 disruptions, during global travel restrictions.

‘This remarkable recovery from the lowest receipts of $562 million recorded in 2020 demonstrates growing international confidence in Uganda as a destination for business, investment, and leisure,’ he said.

The Finance Minister noted that tourism remains one of Uganda’s most important export sectors, generating foreign exchange, creating jobs, and supporting thousands of enterprises across the country.

The government has allocated Shs567.32 billion to the tourism sector in the next financial year, with priority areas including branding and marketing of Uganda as a tourism and investment destination, tourism infrastructure development, and improvement of hospitality standards.

‘Priority interventions also include construction of highway sanitation facilities and tourism site refreshment centres, hospitality training, conservation, and wildlife protection to increase the wildlife population across the National Parks.

Other planned interventions include promotion of health tourism and strengthening economic and commercial diplomacy through Uganda’s missions abroad.

This is up from Shs430b that was earmarked for direct investment for the tourism sector in the 2025/26 financial year.

The minister also noted ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure, including development works at the Rwenzori Central Circuit Trail, Kitagata Hot Springs, the Source of the Nile in Jinja, and cultural heritage sites in Moroto and Dokolo.

‘The construction of Kidepo International Airport is also underway to boost tourism in the Karamoja region and investments are aimed at improving visitor experience and strengthening Uganda’s competitiveness as a tourism destination. Twelve regional aerodromes have been maintained to support regional connectivity for tourism and trade,’ Mr Musasizi added.

Marketing push

Mr Musasizi said many achievements have been registered in the tourism sector during the financial year, particularly in marketing Destination Uganda.

‘Uganda’s global tourism visibility is at an all-time high under the ‘Explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa’ brand, driven by intensified international marketing and participation in major tourism exhibitions across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America,’ Mr Musasizi said.

Adding, ‘Government leveraged global platforms such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco and the World Travel Market in London to promote Destination Uganda and attract visitors. We also secured bids to host international conferences, strengthening its position in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.’

He further noted that under the Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) strategy, Uganda is already seeing improved performance, including increased tourist arrivals, foreign direct investment inflows and export earnings.

‘Government will continue to leverage its Missions Abroad to market Uganda as a preferred tourism, conference and investment destination, expand market access for Ugandan products, attract strategic investors, and mobilise the diaspora to support national development,’ he said.

Mr Musasizi noted that the Budget aims to accelerate the attainment of the Tenfold Growth Strategy, where government has allocated 95.6 percent of discretionary resources to the ATMS; Agro-industrialisation, Tourism Development, Mineral-Based Industrialisation, and Science, Technology and Innovation, and their key enablers.

The newly appointed Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has moved to calm growing anxieties over the medical internship crisis, assuring the public that government-sponsored interns will continue to receive full facilitation while the ministry explores options to assist privately sponsored graduates.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony at the ministry headquarters on Wednesday, June 10, Dr Baryomunsi revealed that the Cabinet has directed the ministry to assess the financial implications of supporting privately sponsored graduates undertaking their mandatory one-year medical internship.

“Those who are on government sponsorship will proceed on internship with full support from the government. There is no disruption. It will continue,” Dr Baryomunsi stated.

“We are going to study the financial implications of providing lunch to those who graduate from private facilities… the government can provide lunch to enable them to work.”

The medical internship program in Uganda has recently faced severe strain, characterized by delayed deployments and protests from pre-interns over allowances. Dr Baryomunsi attributed these persistent bottlenecks to a sharp increase in the number of medical graduates from both public and private universities.

To resolve this sustainably, the minister emphasized the need for long-term human resource planning to align health workforce training with the country’s actual staffing requirements.

“Human resource needs in the health sector should be assessed to see how many doctors, nurses, and laboratory experts we need in the next five, 10, or 15 years so that there is a planned arrangement between us and the Ministry of Education that handles training,” he explained.

Beyond internal planning, Dr Baryomunsi identified managing the country’s current Ebola outbreak as an immediate priority, pledging to strengthen ongoing response and containment efforts.

Dr. Baryomunsi’s appointment marks a return to a familiar docket. He previously served as the State Minister of Health for General Duties from March 2015 until June 2016, before being transferred to other Cabinet portfolios, including a stint as the Minister for ICT and National Guidance starting in 2021.

Leveraging his recent experience in the ICT sector, the new minister promised to spearhead the digitalization of health services and improve public communication. He also issued a stern warning to ministry staff regarding accountability and transparency.

“We need to vaccinate ourselves against corruption. No more corruption, as the President themed this term. We shall improve that expertise to see that the health sector can actually make advances as we integrate technology in our work,” Dr Baryomunsi warned.

The outgoing Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, who has been appointed Government Chief Whip, officially handed over the docket. Reflecting on her tenure, Dr. Aceng highlighted milestones including the successful containment of Uganda’s eighth Ebola outbreak, the expansion of intensive care services, and progress on the Lubowa Specialized Hospital project, which she disclosed is now about 70 percent complete.

However, Dr Aceng cautioned her successor about deep-seated systemic challenges that still plague Uganda’s healthcare delivery. She cited inadequate sector financing, a high disease burden-driven by malaria, HIV/AIDS, non-communicable diseases, and mental health conditions-and critically low health insurance coverage, which currently stands at just 1 percent of the population.

She urged Dr Baryomunsi to prioritize the long-pending National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Bill, tackle health worker absenteeism, and accelerate the recruitment and retention of specialists.

“That bill is very important for the population,” Dr. Aceng said, while advising her successor to maintain a close, collaborative relationship with ministry technocrats through regular briefings to ensure well-informed decision-making at the Cabinet level.

The Government of Uganda has unveiled a series of new tax measures for the Financial Year 2026/27 as part of efforts to raise domestic revenue and finance its ambitious national budget. The measures are expected to support the collection of Shs45.96 trillion in domestic revenue, including Shs40.16 trillion in tax revenue.

Parliament approved several tax policy reforms designed to strengthen revenue mobilisation while supporting economic growth, investment, and job creation.

Income Tax Reforms

Among the key income tax measures is the extension of the income tax exemption granted to Bujagali Energy Limited until 2032, a move aimed at maintaining stability in the energy sector.

The government has also increased the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) threshold from Shs235,000 to Shs335,000 per month, providing relief to low-income earners and increasing disposable income for workers.

In addition, a 5 percent withholding tax has been introduced on interest payments made to foreign lenders. Taxpayers earning rental income will now have the option of filing and paying rental income tax monthly, a measure expected to improve compliance and ease administration.

The reforms further provide tax holidays for developers investing in high-end tourism facilities, as well as tax relief for Tier 4 financial institutions through deductions for bad debt provisions.

Value Added Tax (VAT) Changes

To support small businesses and reduce compliance costs, the VAT registration threshold has been increased from Shs150 million to Shs300 million in annual turnover.

The government has also extended VAT deferment to inputs used in iron ore processing, a move intended to support industrialisation and value addition within the mining sector.

Excise Duty Adjustments

Several excise duty rates have been increased as part of the government’s strategy to generate additional revenue.

The excise duty on petrol and diesel has been raised by Shs200 per litre. Alcoholic beverages will now attract excise duty of Shs3,500 per litre, up from Shs1,700.

Motorcycles at first registration will be subject to a higher excise duty of Shs500,000, compared to the previous Shs200,000.

Environmental concerns have also influenced the tax reforms, with substantially higher excise duties imposed on single-use plastics to discourage pollution and environmental degradation.

Other increases include: Cooking oil: from Shs200 to Shs400 per litre. Cement: from Shs500 to Shs750 per 50-kilogram bag. Sugar: from Shs100 to Shs200 per kilogram.

It should also be noted that the government has also introduced new excise duties on paints, varnishes, and cooking fats.

New Stamp Duty Charges

Parliament approved the introduction of stamp duty on vehicle registration and transfers.

Under the new rates, motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles will attract a stamp duty of Shs30,000, while other motor vehicles will be charged Shs200,000.

Tax Relief Measures

To ease the burden on taxpayers and encourage compliance, Parliament approved waivers of principal tax, penalties, and interest owed to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) as of June 30, 2016.

The government has also extended existing waivers on outstanding interest and penalties, providing relief to eligible taxpayers and supporting business recovery.

External Trade and Gaming Taxes

The environmental levy on imported used clothing has been increased from 15 percent to 30 percent of the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value. The measure is intended to promote local textile and garment manufacturing by making imported second-hand clothing less competitive.

Meanwhile, taxation on betting activities has been raised from 20 percent to 30 percent. The government says the increase is intended to harmonise taxation across gaming activities while generating additional revenue for the national budget.

Outlook for FY2026/27

The FY2026/27 budget reflects the government’s commitment to accelerating economic transformation through strategic investments in agriculture, tourism, industrialisation, infrastructure, digital innovation, and human capital development.

While the new tax measures are expected to place additional obligations on certain sectors and consumers, government officials argue that they are necessary to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation and reduce reliance on external financing. The reforms are expected to play a critical role in funding priority development programmes and advancing Uganda’s long-term economic growth agenda

When Finance Minister Henry Musasizi rises in Parliament convening at Kololo today to read the National Budget for the 2026/2027 financial year, many Ugandans will be off TV and will not bother. They will be going about their businesses as usual. Research done by the Ministry of Finance a couple of years back indicated that the majority of Ugandans do not care about the Budget. Budget speeches, after all, are often viewed as technical affairs for economists, politicians and civil servants.

But that is a mistake. The Budget being read today is not about government. It is about you. Every shilling allocated, borrowed, spent or wasted affects the life of an ordinary Ugandan. The Budget determines the quality of roads you drive on, the medicines available at your health centre, the classroom your child studies in, the electricity that powers your business and the opportunities available to young people seeking employment.

More importantly, much of the money being discussed today comes from citizens themselves. Every time you buy airtime, fuel your vehicle, purchase household goods, pay school fees through taxed services, or operate a business, you contribute to government revenue. Whether directly or indirectly, Ugandans finance the State through taxes. This means citizens are not spectators in the Budget process. They are investors.

The government may collect the money, but it does so on behalf of the people. Parliament may approve expenditure, but it spends resources that belong to the public. Public officials may administer the funds, but they are merely custodians. When government secures loans from development partners or international financial institutions, it is not borrowing for anybody else but in the name of Ugandans. The debt incurred today will be repaid by citizens through current and future taxes. The child in primary school today may one day help pay for loans contracted before reaching adulthood.

That is why debt should concern every Ugandan, not just financial experts. Likewise, whenever public funds are mismanaged, stolen or wasted, the loss is not government’s. It is the loss for taxpayers. It is a health centre that remains unequipped. It is a classroom that is never built. It is a road that remains impassable. It is a young person who misses an opportunity because resources were diverted elsewhere.

As Ugandans listen to today’s Budget speech, they should, therefore, ask simple but important questions: How will this spending improve lives? Will borrowed money generate value for future generations? Are public resources being used efficiently? Who will be held accountable when programmes fail? The Budget is not a gift from government to citizens. It is a plan for managing citizens’ resources. Whether the money is spent on roads, hospitals, schools, agriculture, security, debt repayment or government administration, it belongs to the people first. Every allocation should, therefore, be judged according to one standard: does it serve the Ugandan taxpayer?

The figures that will be announced today are tens of trillions of shillings, but behind every number is a citizen. Behind every tax collected is someone’s hard work. Behind every loan contracted is a future obligation. Behind every wasted shilling is a missed opportunity.

Tragedy struck Bugema in the Industrial City Division of Mbale City on Wednesday night after a fierce fire gutted dozens of kiosks and market stalls, leaving traders and residents counting heavy losses.

Property and merchandise worth millions of shillings were reduced to ashes in the inferno, which began around 11:00 p.m. in a parking yard near the Fahaab petrol station along the busy Mbale-Tororo road. Fueled by highly flammable goods such as plastics and tightly packed wooden structures, the flames rapidly spread through the commercial hub.

Eyewitnesses reported that the entire area was engulfed within minutes.

Mr. Moses Mafumo, a local resident, noted that while no fatalities or injuries had been confirmed by morning, the economic damage was devastating.

“At the moment, the cause of the fire has not yet been established as police launch investigations,” Mafumo said.

The incident sparked outrage among locals and affected business owners, who expressed deep frustration over what they described as a delayed response by the Mbale Police Fire and Rescue Services. Many argued that the containment could have been faster had the response teams arrived earlier.

For many local entrepreneurs, the fire represents total financial ruin. Ms. Sarah Namono, a prominent trader in the area, wept as she recounted how she had recently secured a hefty loan from a local money lender to boost her business.

“I had just borrowed money to restock my stall, hoping to expand and attract more customers, but now everything is gone,” Namono lamented.

With her merchandise completely destroyed, she expressed deep anxiety over how she would recover, let alone meet her looming financial obligations and repay the debt.

By 1:20 a.m. on Thursday, the scene remained a picture of despair. Dozens of traders and community members were seen sorting through the smoking debris in a desperate search for salvageable goods, while others stood by in visible shock and sorrow.

Elgon Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr. Rogers Taitika, confirmed the incident, stating that official investigations into the exact cause of the blaze are actively underway.

This is not an isolated incident in Mbale City, which has battled a string of devastating commercial fires in recent years. In July 2023, a similar blaze gutted the Kumi Road Market, destroying property worth millions. Prior to that, in April 2022, another fire swept through the Mbale Main Garage in St. Andrews Cell, South Central Ward, leaving mechanics and traders bankrupt.

The frequency of these incidents reflects a worrying national trend. According to the Police Annual Crime Report, the Directorate of Fire Prevention and Rescue Services registered 1,000 fire incidents nationwide. Notably, fire cases in the Elgon region rose sharply from 11 to 39 within a one-year period.

Nationally, residential and commercial structures remain the most vulnerable, with electricity-related faults accounting for nearly half of all registered fire incidents, followed closely by human negligence and the misuse of wax candles.