Category: Daily Monitor

Who is Cotti Coffee?

We are the third largest coffee brand in China. Soon, we shall become number one. We have over 20,000 stores in more than 33 countries, and Uganda is coming on board. We deal in coffee strictly. We have been here for three months.

Why have you chosen to invest in Uganda?

Uganda produces very good coffee in Africa and because of the young population in China which is consuming coffee, the demand is increasing. Uganda is the second largest producer of coffee in Africa and number one in East Africa bigger than Kenya and Rwanda.

Uganda’s coffee industry is a pillar of its economy. It supports most people’s livelihoods and brings in a lot of foreign exchange. This year, coffee exports to China have grown remarkably. We are proud to partner with Uganda, Africa’s second-largest coffee producer.

Our cooperation covers the whole value chain: we shall train farmers professionally, setup our demo plantation farms where the latest modern technology will be introduced to Uganda. We also have our cultivation expert Professor Huang with us here), supporting better coffee varieties and connecting Uganda’s high-quality coffee to Cotti’s global stores.

This will make sure local farmers have stable market access and higher incomes. China-Uganda coffee cooperation has huge potential. China’s coffee market is growing fast, with more demand for good and ethically sourced beans. Starting from this plant, Cotti will be a key bridge linking Uganda’s fertile lands where coffee grows well to Chinese consumers who love fine coffee. As we agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding, we shall promote Ugandan coffee globally through the upcoming Global Uganda Coffee Culture Festival.

What can coffee farmers do to stand out in the coffee value chain?

When we first came here, we immediately saw the immense potential to increase coffee production. Farmers in this region grow coffee naturally, but many are unfamiliar with modern technologies and the full possibilities of their crop.

Our goal is to help unlock that potential. For example, we aim to teach farmers how to properly manage their coffee plants-many do not know the correct amount of fertiliser or water required, which makes it difficult to predict yields.

We have already established a small factory that marks the beginning of our operations in Uganda. The first 10 containers of high-quality green coffee beans have been loaded and are currently on their way to China. Meanwhile, thousands of tonnes of parchment coffee are awaiting processing and export from our warehouse in Mbale.

Don’t you think you are beginning to tamper with our organically grown coffee?

Most farmers just plant the crop and they leave it to grow on its own. Coffee farmers need to understand the kind of fertiliser they need to apply, how much water the plant needs and the amount of potassium it needs; that is how we measure the plant.

In China, you harvest 2,250kg per acre. Here, it is only 30 percent of the yield. There is an opportunity to double this. In China, we have only one province. We have been importing coffee from Ethiopia and Uganda. We were importing 14,000 to 40,000 tonnes and Brazil.

What fertiliser are we talking about?

We are still doing research. We encourage farmers to grow more Arabica coffee, because the land to grow Arabica coffee in the world is limited.

When you talk of a green plant, what do you mean?

We are processing green beans. We process parchment into green beans. We shall start roasting in the second phase of this project, but currently, we are processing and color sorting. We have a plan to start manufacturing the final product for value addition.

Previously, Uganda has been selling a lot of raw materials. In the near future, we shall open our stores here. Now that we have the processing factory, we shall open the roasting factory to support our factory.

How do you intend to brand the Ugandan coffee you will be processing for export?

This will be premium Ugandan coffee, exported to 33 countries and proudly promoted on the global stage. We are working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Chinese Embassy to organise the Uganda Coffee Festival, an event dedicated to showcasing the richness and quality of our coffee. Our goal is simple but ambitious: to see Ugandan coffee in every cup across China.

How much coffee does Uganda export to China?

Until September 2025, Uganda exported 10,000 tonnes to China. We need 80,000 tonnes when we are at full capacity. I don’t think we shall even meet that demand unless we work 24 hours. But for the start, we shall be doing 14,000 tonnes.

What kind of coffee are we talking about?

For now, we are specialising in green beans. In the future, we shall be doing instant coffee and powders, which require a roasting factory here.

How many farmers are you dealing with?

We have a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture which has given us 5,000 farmers, giving us an average of 100kgs each. We hope these can fetch us 50,000 tonnes in the meantime, but we have planned for 100,000 tonnes in the next five to 10 years.

What is the future of the coffee trade and production in Uganda?

The demand for coffee is rising rapidly. Countries like China, India and Uganda, which were traditionally tea-drinking nations, are now seeing a rise in coffee consumption driven by the younger generation.

Uganda has the ideal conditions for coffee – that is excellent climate, fertile land and a large base of committed farmers.

We have already invested over $5 million in Uganda, and this is a long-term investment.

Our investment spans the entire value chain: planting, processing and manufacturing coffee. We also plan to venture into tea processing, but we shall take it step by step.

Mr Museveni has pledged to establish a permanent Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) battalion in Kamwenge District, saying the installation will strengthen security for communities that have remained vulnerable following recent attacks by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels.

Mr Museveni, the NRM presidential candidate, made the commitment during a campaign rally in Kamwenge yesterday. The request had earlier been made by Kamwenge NRM District chairperson and Kibale East MP Frank Tumwebaze, who said residents living near Kibale National Park continue to live in fear after the deadly December 2023 ADF incursions.

‘Our people live in fear; whenever they hear of any suspected attack, they run away and fail to concentrate on production,’ Mr Tumwebaze said, urging the government to compensate affected families and establish a permanent military base near the park boundary.

Suitable land

In response, Mr Museveni agreed to the request and directed district leaders to identify land where the battalion will be stationed.

‘Tumwebaze has brought a good proposal. We shall place a battalion near Kibale National Park. Look for a good piece of land-not in a wetland or flood-prone area-and we shall build a permanent army barracks,’ he said.

Kamwenge has recently suffered ADF attacks from across the DR Congo border. On December 18, 2023, a total of 10 people were killed in Kitehurizi Village, followed by another attack on Christmas night in which three more people were killed in Nyabitusi Village.

Industrial park

Mr Museveni also pledged an industrial park for the Tooro-Kamwenge region, but clarified that it will be in the neighbouring Kyegegwa District, where the government has secured about five square miles of land inside the Kyaka Refugee Settlement. ‘You have seen how many jobs an industrial park can create-Mbale Industrial Park created 12,000 jobs on one square mile, and Namanve employs 44,000,’ he said. He also revealed that on January 30, 2024, he made a directive to the Ministry of Relief and Disaster Preparedness to secure 10 square miles from Kyaka I and Kyaka II settlements-five for avocado farming and processing, and five for the industrial park.

On unemployment, the NRM candidate said his government has created thousands of jobs through industrial parks, and urged Ugandans to stop viewing the government as the only employer. ‘The civil service has only about 480,000 jobs, yet the population is 50 million. People must change their mindset,’ he said. Further, Mr Museveni told residents that NRM had fulfilled its commitment to connect Kamwenge to the national tarmac network through the Lyantonde-Kazo-Ibanda road, which opened access to Kamwenge and Fort Portal. He said work on the Kyenjojo-Kihura road is ongoing, and the government will upgrade the Rwimi-Bunyangabu road next.

‘We have extended electricity, improved health facilities, and connected roads, on all these, the NRM scores over 80 percent,’ he said. Wealth creation and PDM The NRM candidate praised Kamwenge residents for embracing government poverty alleviation programmes, but warned that small land sizes cannot support profitable maize farming. ‘Even with a small piece of land, households can earn well by choosing from seven enterprises: coffee, fruits, dairy cattle, food crops, poultry or piggery, and fish,’ he advised. Kamwenge has received Shs22b under the Parish Development Model (PDM), but Museveni asked households still stuck in subsistence farming to join the money economy, and encouraged those already in commercial farming to adopt irrigation and conserve water sources.

The 11th Parliament is made up of 556 Members of Parliament (MPs), 526 directly elected and 27 ex-officio. Yet, despite the large number, only a small section consistently stands out to speak during debates. Several MPs remain noticeably silent on the floor of the House.

Political analysts point to a mix of structural, political, and personal factors that limit vocal participation. For instance, Uganda’s Parliament sits on Tuesday to Thursday – from 2pm to 7pm, giving members limited time to debate. With a chamber of 556 MPs and recesses that sometimes stretch for months, opportunities to speak are further reduced. Formal rules grant the presiding Speaker authority to adjust sitting days or times depending on the business at hand.

Still, given the size of Parliament, even if each MP were allocated five minutes, not all would get a chance to speak. Some analysts attribute the silence to incompetence, while others argue that limited time is a genuine hindrance. MPs who arrive early, consistently rise to seek the Speaker’s attention, or raise procedural matters are more likely to be recognised. Although the Speaker has discretion over who speaks and for how long, priority is usually given to MPs with business before the House. These include ministers presenting statements, shadow ministers responding to government positions, committee leaders tabling reports, and MPs moving motions listed on the order paper.

This reduces the chances for backbench MPs to be heard. The Leader of Opposition and Leader of Government Business are allocated specific time since their duties require presenting official positions, responding to ministers, or guiding discussions. This gives them more microphone time than ordinary MPs. Not all MPs attend plenary consistently. Those who may not raise issues on the floor often have opportunities in committee sessions. Every MP is assigned to at least two committees: one sectoral and one standing, except ministers. The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, Government Chief Whip, and Opposition Whip sit on two standing committees: Business and Appointments committees.

Committees are considered the backbone of parliamentary work. They scrutinise budgets and government programmes, giving MPs space to contribute outside plenary. However, some MPs still miss out on these sessions, denying themselves another opportunity to be heard.

Historians and political analysts, including Dr John Paul Kasujja and Mwambutsya Ndebesa, argue that incompetence is the cardinal issue.

‘Many MPs cannot articulate issues…they don’t know the laws… So it is very difficult for them to discuss because in your arguments you will be quoting the Constitution,’ Mr Kasujja says.

Mr Ndebesa also notes that ‘some fear being ‘blacklisted’ for taking independent stands, especially with the presence of military MPs who, according to President Museveni, act as ‘listening posts’ reporting to him views seen as hostile to the government. As a result, many legislators choose silence as a survival strategy.

Internet use in Uganda is no longer about access alone. With mobile penetration deepening and social media habits evolving, Ugandans are shifting from casual browsing to fully integrating the internet into their socio-economic lives.

The country’s digital habits are changing fast, reflecting both rising connectivity and new cultural behaviour.

As of January 2025, Uganda had approximately 14.2 million internet users, representing an estimated 28 percent penetration, up slightly from 13.3 million (27 percent) the previous year, according to DataReportal.

The surge is primarily mobile driven. Over the years, mobile phone subscriptions have been on a steady upward trend, with total subscriptions increasing from 33.1 million in 2022, to 37 million in 2023 and 41.6 million in 2024.

By mid-2025, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) data indicated 44.3 million active mobile subscriptions, with 17.6 million smartphones in use alongside 16.5 million mobile internet subscriptions.

Beyond the growing numbers, what stands out is the evolution in behaviour. Ugandans are no longer going online for occasional tasks. The internet is becoming a place where more of daily life happens.

Evolving patterns

As telecom companies race to expand digital infrastructure and the country advances its national digital vision, more Ugandans are going online.

Between April and June 2025, Ugandans downloaded 254.1 million gigabytes (GB) of data, up from the previous quarter. On average, a user consumes 5.1 GB per month, up from 4.3 GB in quarter one.

The surge in data consumption is reflective of the transitional trends in how people are utilising their time online.

Globally, the key usage patterns driving data growth are video streaming, accounting for up to 70 percent composition, followed by social media, online gaming, web browsing, cloud apps and software updates. Uganda has not been any different.

‘Video streaming both short form and long form has grown rapidly, accounting for a large share of mobile data usage,’ says Joseph Kimbowa, chief content officer at HiPipo.

For many Ugandans, the rise in video consumption is simply part of daily habit. ‘These days I do not even wait for TV. If a match is on, I stream it from my phone,’ says Moses Kayemba, a 28 year old retailer in Ntinda. ‘The bundles go fast, but it’s the only way to keep up.’

As video platforms dominate online activity, telecoms are seeing a surge in both usage and revenue.

MTN Uganda’s senior manager communications, public relations and stakeholder management, Rhona Arinaitwe reports that video accounts for 34 percent of MTN’s total data traffic, with TikTok alone consuming 70 percent, followed by YouTube at 19 percent, Instagram, YoTV, and Netflix at 2 percent respectively and others at 5 percent.

Acknowledging video content as the biggest driver of data usage, David Birungi, public relations manager at Airtel Uganda, highlights that the data segment is still shaping the telecom’s growth story, with an overall revenue growth of 30.4 percent.

The rise of fintechs, mobile transactions, and digital payments is also fueling internet usage. Statistics indicate that the number of active users on mobile banking increased by 6.5 percent from 1.94 million in June 2024 to 2.1 million in June 2025.

For small business owners, the shift is already part of daily operations. ‘Most of my customers prefer mobile transactions. I hardly touch cash during the week,’ says Gloria Apio, who runs a hybrid clothing and tailoring shop.’

According to Bank of Uganda, the transaction volume notably increased by 20.9 percent from 27.9 million transactions to 33.7 million transactions in the same period. The transaction values also increased by 39.4 percent from Shs11.1 trillion to Shs15.5 trillion.

Uganda has 34 million active mobile money accounts and registered 2.18 billion mobile money transactions, according to the GSMA Digital Economy Report. Furthermore, MTN’s internal data also shows strong fintech growth, with fintech users rising from 6 percent to 13.3 million in 2025-reflecting deeper adoption of digital financial services.

Alongside commerce, there is growing uptake of digital services that extend beyond social media and entertainment. E-learning platforms, e-health services, e-government applications, and remote business tools are reshaping how Ugandans access education, healthcare and work-making the internet an essential tool for both personal and professional life.

The surge in internet usage has had tangible consequences for both telecom operators and consumers. Across the telecom sector, data subscriptions, smartphone usage and revenues are rising sharply as video traffic, mobile money adoption and wider network coverage expand.

Arinaitwe illustrates that MTN has grown its market share to 22 million subscribers, up 13.2 percent. Data subscriptions have increased by 30.5 percent, while fintech subscribers have grown by 13.9 percent.

She adds that smartphone adoption on the network has risen by 30.1 percent supported by MTN’s device financing strategy bringing smartphone penetration to 44.9 percent.

Airtel Uganda has posted similarly strong growth, with its customer base increasing by 14.7 percent and data users by 25.9 percent. The company recorded overall revenue growth of 30.4 percent, driven largely by increased data consumption.

With expansion initiatives and partnerships to deepen device financing and internet penetration, Airtel’s average monthly active users on the MyAirtel platform now stand at 1.25 million, reflecting rising engagement with mobile services.

‘Our focus is on driving data growth across our markets by promoting wider smartphone adoption and network expansion. Overall data traffic surged by 57.4 percent, supported by ongoing investments in network coverage and upgrades,’ Birungi says.

Telecoms are grappling with heavy bandwidth consumption, network congestion, and the rising demand for real-time performance.

MTN notes that ultra low latency requirements for live sports, gaming and virtual meetings continue to strain existing infrastructure.

‘Maintaining service quality for millions of concurrent users calls for dynamic scaling, advanced load balancing, and proactive monitoring.’ Arinaitwe says.

Despite rising connectivity, usage remains uneven-leaving fertile ground for a widening digital divide. Urban centres account for most online activity, while fewer than 10 percent of rural residents access the internet on a regular basis.

Kimbowa also argues that the rise in digital finance and social platforms has sparked a surge in cyber fraud, online scams, crime, and misinformation.

To address these challenges, telecom operators are investing heavily in infrastructure and advanced technologies. MTN is expanding cloud infrastructure and Content-Delivery Networks (CDNs) to ensure faster video distribution and reduce buffering. Today, 50 percent of MTN’s internet traffic is routed through CDNs.

The company is also rolling out 5G-now with 538 sites, and expanding fibre and fixed broadband solutions to ease pressure on mobile networks and deliver more reliable high quality streaming.

Airtel maintains nationwide 4G coverage and is working to eliminate remaining gaps. Network upgrades and WiFi solutions have strengthened service quality, enabling high speed access for entertainment and fintech services.

On digital safety, Airtel says its AI powered spam fighting system, launched in April 2025, has labelled over 40 million spam SMS messages-part of its effort to curb fraud across the region.

What’s next?

Uganda’s internet landscape is poised for further growth, driven by infrastructural initiatives and restructuring. As connectivity improves, Ugandans are expected to engage more deeply with video, e-commerce, fintech, and digital services, making the internet an even more integral part of daily life.

For Kimbowa, the next phase is clear. ‘Uganda must prioritise digital literacy, affordable rural broadband, and support for small businesses to create low-data, mobile-friendly services.’

With satellite internet options like Starlink entering the market and fintech accelerating, he says the future will ‘expand access but also require smarter regulation and stronger infrastructure.’

The campaigns for the Tororo District Woman Member of Parliament seat are heating up as candidates intensify their hunt for votes across the area.

The contest has attracted eight candidates, including incumbent Sarah Achieng Opendi (NRM), Awere Phibby Otala (IND), Akoth Angella (IND), Achieng Daphne Mary (NUP), Faith Asiimwe (FDC), Elizabeth Andera (IND), Amali Maurine Selfulose (DF), and Nyafamba Babra Mercy (UPC).

Although the race has attracted eight candidates, indicators show the contest is mainly between the incumbent Sarah Opendi, Phibby Awere Otaala, the former Uganda High Commissioner to Kenya, who came second in the recent NRM party primaries, and Angela Akoth, who came third in the race.

The outcome of the National Resistance Movement party primaries for Tororo district woman Member of Parliament was challenged, but the tribunal upheld Opendi’s victory.

“If I am voted, I want to continue from where I had started,” says Phibby Otaala Awere. She pledges to lobby for the extension of rural electrification to all villages, adding that electricity will help unemployed young people establish workshops and small business enterprises such as barber shops.

“In all my vote mobilisation campaigns, I pledge to wage war against corruption as the only way to allow resources to be redirected to improve service delivery across the district,” she says.

“My focus is on improving education standards as well as uplifting young people, and I can achieve this through mobilizing young people and women into income-generating activities,” she adds.

Achieng Daphne Mary emphasises ending leadership that is relevant only in times of sorrow and instead teaching communities to fish by giving them hooks, not fish.

Despite facing heat from opponents, Opendi remains confident.

“I am not worried about those contesting against me because some of them are just projects by some leaders in the district; however, my services to the people will campaign for me,” she said.

She highlights several initiatives she has undertaken during her term, including empowering groups across the district and contributing to the construction of churches.

Angella Akoth, who commands a considerable portion of voters, prioritizes addressing challenges facing local people. She promises to advocate for teachers’ salary increments, emphasising that motivating teachers financially is critical to improving education quality.

“My role as a Member of Parliament will focus on ensuring resources are properly appropriated,” she says. Beyond education, Akoth will tackle poverty by supporting women and youth initiatives, planning to establish women’s savings groups, provide entrepreneurship training, and offer startup kits.

Amali Maureen Sefulose, contesting on the Democratic Front party ticket, promises to establish an education fund in her office, which will support bright students from economically disadvantaged families. She has already linked scholarships to over 100 students pursuing secondary education.

“I don’t say the incumbent has done nothing, but she is incompetent and needs urgent replacement because she is turning out to be more of a celebrity than a legislator, and I am the rightful choice for the people of Tororo District,” she said.

The recent signing of a peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) marks a significant moment in the history of the East African Community (EAC).

For decades, tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa have been fuelled by cross-border insecurity, rebel activity, and competing political narratives.

These underlying causes, ranging from mistrust of armed groups operating in eastern Congo to accusations of external interference, have destabilised not only the two nations but also the wider Great Lakes region.

The peace agreement, therefore, is not merely a bilateral accord; it is a regional milestone. It reflects the urgent need for stability in a corridor that has long been plagued by conflict, displacement, and economic disruption.

The EAC, of which both Rwanda and DRC are members, stands to benefit immensely from this development. A peaceful relationship between these two states strengthens the bloc’s collective security framework, enhances trade opportunities, and reinforces the credibility of the EAC as a platform for resolving disputes within the region.

For the citizens of Rwanda and DRC, the deal promises more than diplomatic signatures. It offers hope for safer borders, freer movement of goods and people, and renewed confidence in regional integration. For Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and other EAC partners, it signals that the dream of a united and prosperous East Africa is achievable when member states commit to dialogue rather than confrontation.

Yet, the true test lies ahead. Africa has witnessed many agreements that remain confined to paper, celebrated at the signing table but forgotten in implementation. This peace deal must not follow that path. It must translate into tangible benefits – reduced hostilities, improved livelihoods, and visible progress for ordinary citizens.

As Africans, we must recognise a fundamental truth: no Western country will ever broker peace negotiations on our behalf with the same urgency and ownership that we ourselves can bring. Our strength lies in unity, in standing together to resolve our own problems. The Rwanda-DRC peace deal should therefore serve as a rallying call for deeper solidarity across the continent.

My prayer is that this agreement does not remain a ceremonial document but becomes a living testament to the power of African resolve. Let East Africans see its fruits, peace, prosperity, and dignity for the people of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Only then will the EAC truly embody its mission of integration and shared progress.

The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) has been forced to halt several HIV response programs and scale down operations due to a significant decline in external funding, driven by shifting global financing priorities.

According to Dr. Andrew Kambugu, IDI Executive Director, the institute has had to close long-running programs that played a crucial role in reducing new infections.

Among the affected programs are Voluntary Male Circumcision, which had reached millions of men across two regions, and the DREAM program, which empowered economically vulnerable young women and girls with skills such as hairdressing, catering, and fashion design to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV.

“Our institute has been involved in this program for many years, we’ve circumcised millions… So that funding has stopped, and we really don’t have resources for that,” Dr. Kambugu stated. As a result, staff members working on these programs have been laid off or repurposed.

The 2025 Uganda AIDS Commission report indicates that 37,000 people became infected with HIV in 2024, and 1.5 million people in Uganda are living with HIV. Dr. Kambugu emphasized that government support is essential, particularly in absorbing health workers into public service, to maintain the progress made in HIV response.

As Uganda transitions to a domesticated HIV response program, Dr. Kambugu stressed the need for sustained HIV care systems. “Our concern is that HIV care is not just about dispensing ARVs. It is about the support systems that keep patients engaged in treatment, prevent dropouts, and ultimately stop new infections,” he said. He called on the government to prioritize HIV care and ensure that support systems are maintained.

Dr. Ahmed Ddungu, a Physician in the Prevention, Care, and Treatment Department at IDI, highlighted the importance of preserving the gains made over the past two decades. “We are committed to collaboration and innovation, but we must make sure that systems developed over the years, like community follow-up and adherence support, are maintained within the new framework,” he said.

Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, represented by Dr. Susan Wandera, emphasized the need for collaborative support from the government, private sector, and communities to end AIDS by 2030. She noted that securing sustainable financing is crucial to future-proofing progress and integrating HIV into the national budget framework.

To address the funding gap, Ms. Flavia Kyomukama, Executive Director of the National Forum of People Living with HIV/AIDS Network Uganda, urged the government to increase domestic investment in HIV response. “We need to fill the gap so that the country doesn’t lose what it has already achieved,” she said.

The IDI is commemorating World AIDS Day, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in Uganda.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has dismissed a petition challenging the nomination of Brig. Gen (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande as a candidate for the Lwemiyaga County parliamentary seat in the 2026 General Election.

The incumbent MP Theodore Ssekikubo petitioned the EC on November 14, challenging Mr Rwashande’s nomination.

Mr Rwashande is the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer. Mr Ssekikubo rejected three names Mr Rwashande had used for his nomination on October 22. One of the disputed credentials belongs to a female voter in another district.

However, the EC chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama said the commission upon hearing the complaint, consideration of the submissions made by lawyers of both sides and examination of the EC nominations and Results Management Dashboard used to verify particulars of supporters during nominations, observed that Brig. Gen Rwashande submitted a Diploma in Defense and Strategic studies, awarded by National University of PLA 2007, a Certificate in Company Commanders Course and a Diploma for Senior Army Command Course in Nanjing Army Command College that were equated by National Council for Higher Education.

‘The examination of the EC Nominations and Results Management Dashboard revealed that Mpirirwe Jovia, Naziwa Aisah, Tumwebaze Dativa, Nabimanya Geofrey, Nayebale Rosette, Kembudu Jaireth, Nahwera Charity, Ssenjeya Charles, Kangume Stephen, Mugume Enock Mutonto, Nayebare Enid and Tugume John were validated and approved as supporters of Brig. Gen Rwashande Emmanuel’s nomination,’ reads part of the December 3, 2025 letter addressed to Mr Ssekikubo and copied to Brig Rwashande and the returning officer of Sembabule Electoral District.

According to Justice Byabakama, the EC further observed that His Worship Richard Wananda deponed an Affidavit confirming that he administered the oath on September 7, 2025, and explained the discrepancies in dates.

‘That Naziwa Aisah’s NIN is CF82065101Y03G and a registered voter in Lwemiyaga County, Lwensankala Parish, Kazooba Trading Centre Polling Station,’ the letter added.

As a result, EC said Brig. Gen Rwashande submitted the requisite qualifications for his nomination.

‘That Brig. Gen Rwashande Emmanuel complied with the requirement of minimum of ten (10) names supporting his nomination, in line with Section 28 of the Parliamentary Elections Act. Cap. 177. That the discrepancies in relation to commissioning the oath authenticating statement were explained in the Affidavit sworn by His Worship Wananda Richard. Accordingly, the Commission, under MIN.COMP/058/2025, upheld the decision of the Returning Officer nominating Brig. Gen. Rwashand,’ Justice Byabakama ruled putting an end to the months’ long prevoting battle between the two camps.

Uganda has received eight southern white rhinos from Munyawana Conservancy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to rebuild its rhino population.

The four males and four females arrived at Entebbe International Airport at 2:30am and were officially received by Dr. Basil Ajer, Director of Tourism, on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.

“This donation is a strong vote of confidence in Uganda’s conservation systems and institutions,” Dr. Ajer said. “It reflects the trust our international partners have in our ability to protect these endangered species and responsibly grow our wildlife-based tourism.”

The rhinos were donated by African Parks, a leading conservation organization, to strengthen Uganda’s genetic stock and support future range expansion. They will be transferred to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for quarantine, veterinary monitoring, and acclimatization before joining the existing herd.

“Today is a milestone in the conservation history of Uganda as we work to diversify the existing genetic stock,” Dr. Ajer added. “We introduced six rhinos in 2006, and that number has grown to 51. Adding these eight brings us to 59, but we cannot say that is successful enough. In the early 1980s, Uganda had nearly 1,000 rhinos across the West Nile and Murchison. Our goal is to restore rhino populations in the thousands.”

The Uganda Wildlife Authority plans to redistribute some rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve and Kidepo Valley National Park as part of the national range expansion strategy. Preparations are underway to move a seed population of about 20 rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, where civil works, habitat manipulation, water reticulation, and staff training are about 50% complete.

“We are ready for the task,” said Bashir Hangi, UWA Assistant Commissioner for Communications. “We also expect more rhinos next year that will go to Kidepo Valley National Park, where preparedness stands at about 80%.”

The arrival of the rhinos is a significant boost to Uganda’s national rhino recovery program and positions the country as a credible player in nature-based tourism and international conservation partnerships.

“Uganda has demonstrated strong leadership in rhino conservation and long-term planning for the species’ recovery,” said Martine Rickelton, Operations and Logistics Manager at African Parks South Africa. “This donation supports Uganda’s ambition to re-establish rhinos across more protected areas.”

The rhinos will be closely monitored and protected at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary before being released into the wild as part of the conservation efforts.

Uganda may welcome the tourists, but it doesn’t take enough of their wallets. The average visitor arrives ready to spend – but because the tourism value chain is thin, underdeveloped, and dominated by foreign intermediaries, over a half of their travel budget remains unspent and goes back home with them.

The findings, drawn from an exit survey of visitors and documented in a World Bank study on tourist expenditure and motivation, indicate that tourists leave Uganda with 60 percent of their money unspent due to a perceived lack of attractions beyond the game parks, showing a persistent gap in Uganda’s tourism offering. It suggests an urgent need to develop, diversify and aggressively promote attractions beyond wildlife and natural landscapes if the country is to increase tourist spending and fully tap into its potential as a competitive destination.

The recent annual Tourism Development Program Performance Report, revealed that the sector earned Shs4.8 trillion ($1.28 billion) last year, representing a 26 percent surge from 2023. This income exceeded the pre-pandemic peak of 2019 by 4.9 percent, signaling a new growth path for the sector.

According to the report, this performance was mainly driven by tourists staying longer in the country and spending more money per trip, along with increased tourist numbers.

The findings reveal that international tourist arrivals rose by 7.7 percent, reaching 1.37 million, while tourism earnings grew by 26 percent to $1.28 billion. Uganda witnessed longer stays, higher per capita expenditure, and a notable shift toward leisure and premium tourism experiences.

‘The average length of stay increased to 8.7 nights in 2024, up from 7.6 nights in 2023 and 7.4 in 2022. Visitors spent an average of $125 per night compared to $110 the previous year,’ reads part of the report.

However, compared to our neighbours in Kenya, tourists generally spend more in Kenya than in Uganda on a daily average about $250 per day. The World Bank notes that $1 of expenditure by a foreign tourist generates, on average, $2.5 of GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

This shows how important it is to focus on giving tourists better experiences that make them spend more and stay longer.

Juliana Kagwa, the chief executive officer of Uganda Tourism Board, confirmed this assertion and explained that despite visitors arriving in Uganda with thousands of dollars in spending money, most of it goes back with them because the country still lacks enough products and experiences for tourists to spend on.

‘Some of the people who came for the Rwenzori Marathon told us they came with about $3,000 in spending money,’ she said.

‘But after eating our food, there was nothing else to spend on. They still went back with their balance.’

She emphasized that Uganda receives high-value tourists who are willing to spend, but the tourism ecosystem is not yet designed to absorb that money. The gaps are in experiences, amenities, cultural products, and creative add-ons that would keep tourists engaged – and spending – longer.

‘We need to find ways to absorb that money,’ she noted, adding that better product development, improved amenities around sites, cultural experiences, and digital transformation are essential if Uganda wants to benefit fully from its visitors.

She added that Ugandans could tap into the huge number – the 4-5 million inbound tourists that Kenya receives.

‘When people travel to Kenya, they already have the option of coming to Uganda because we share the East African visa. So how do we make sure that when someone lands in Kenya, they also consider visiting Uganda?’

It would be a big plus for us. You simply ask them, ‘Have you completed your tour?’ If yes, then while they are already aiming for a safari, they should also be encouraged to include Uganda in their itinerary, Kagwa said.

Matilda Iremera, the chief executive officer of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), attributes this largely to the limited range of activities beyond wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking.

‘If we can diversify the products, tourists will have more reasons to stay longer and spend more,’ Iremera said.

‘We should include cultural experiences. For example, the Batuwa people, the kingdoms with rich histories, Karamoja culture – these are experiences that can be added to itineraries to make tourists stay longer and spend more.’

She emphasized that tourism infrastructure also plays a role in limiting spending.

‘Our roads in tourist areas, especially near protected areas and national parks, are not the best when compared to our neighbours,’ Iremera said.

Internet connectivity is another gap. Tourists want to share their experiences and stay connected, but often, they are completely offline in key destinations like Bwindi. This discourages longer stays and reduces expenditure.’

Limited access to reliable information is another challenge. Many tourists come solo and are not attached to professional operators, relying only on what they find online. ‘If a tourist uses a professional operator, they get a proper itinerary that extends their stay and enhances their experience – and they spend more,’ Iremera explained.

Earlier this year, the Uganda Tourism Board unveiled a strategic plan boosting the country’s global tourism and increased tourism revenue to $5 billion by the 2028/29 financial year.

Tom Butime, the minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, highlighted that the country’s vibrant nightlife, which he noted even foreign counterparts praise highly.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the sector through infrastructure, connectivity, marketing, and capacity building, adding that partnerships with Uganda Airlines, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, and the private sector are crucial in keeping Uganda safe, attractive, and competitive.

The Minister encouraged the sector to think bigger, market smarter, and innovate boldly, arguing that the global traveler seeks identity, authenticity, and connection. Uganda, he said, offers all of these – from gorillas to the source of the Nile, cultural rhythms, and the warmth of its people, and called on the private sector to continue working closely with the government to expand Uganda’s footprint in global tourism markets.

Speaking during the Pearl of Africa (POATE) launch, Sandrah Namutebi, the managing director of Uganda Airlines, urged sector players to go beyond the airline’s role as an enabler and instead ‘wow visitors with what Uganda has to offer.’

While Uganda has magnificent attractions, the world has not yet been fully impressed. She challenged stakeholders to showcase the country’s uniqueness.

Key statistics

The Performance report further highlights that on average, each tourist spent about $933 per visitor, up 16 percent from US$804 in 2023.

Leisure travelers remained the highest spenders, with an impressive US$2,114 per trip, which is 43 percent more than the previous year. The report also notes strong contributions from business tourists, professionals, and visitors coming to see friends and relatives, all of whom stayed longer and spent more during their visits.

Tourism stands out as one of Uganda’s major foreign exchange contributors, generating 16 percent of total export earnings. Accommodation, food, and beverage services remain the backbone of tourism revenue, together accounting for 54 percent of sector earnings.

Uganda recorded robust tourism growth in 2024, with international arrivals climbing by 7.7 percent to reach 1.37 million visitors. This expansion was largely fuelled by arrivals from within Africa, which made up 89.2 percent of all visitors.

Strong numbers came from East African Community (EAC) countries, while the United States, India, and China continued to lead among long-haul source markets.

New momentum was also seen from Canada and Bangladesh, showing fresh potential for long-distance travel to Uganda.

Arrivals from overseas markets increased by 8.9 percent to reach 137,411 visitors, but growing this segment remains a challenge.

Despite this improvement, the overseas share of total arrivals inched up only slightly-from 10 percent in 2023 to 10.1 percent in 2024-while Africa’s share fell by the same margin.

However, European arrivals dropped by 4.8 percent, declining from 39,596 to 37,835. The United Kingdom stayed Uganda’s biggest European market with 27 percent of the share, despite experiencing an 8 percent decline.

The top five European sources-the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Ireland-still collectively make up more than 60 percent of Europe’s total arrivals.

Germany (-13.2 percent) and the Netherlands (-12.7 percent) recorded the sharpest declines, while France (+5.6 percent) and Ireland (+8.6 percent) posted growth. Italy (+3.9 percent) and Denmark (+3.9 percent) also saw modest gains, even as Belgium (-8.8 percent) and Russia (-1.2 percent) registered drops.

The report recommends intensifying marketing in France, Ireland, and Italy, where Uganda has recently increased promotional efforts.

Leisure travel is becoming increasingly central to Uganda’s tourism profile. The share of leisure tourists rose dramatically-from 2.3 percent in 2020 to 19.2 percent in 2024-showing the success of ongoing marketing initiatives and the sector’s post-Covid recovery.

August remained the busiest tourism month in both 2023 and 2024, attracting 130,408 visitors in 2024 compared to 128,670 the previous year.

The first eight months of 2024 performed strongly overall, with February alone recording a 34.2 percent surge over February 2023, underscoring growing demand in the early part of the year.

In contrast, arrivals from September to December 2024 dipped below 2023 levels, with December falling by 5.1 percent, highlighting the need for strategies to maintain high traffic through the final quarter.

In 2025, the Ministry of Tourism aims at increasing overseas market share beyond the current 10.1 percent, boosting infrastructure to encourage longer visitor stays, promoting underexplored regions and rollout new tourism experiences and strengthening domestic tourism by supporting community-led initiatives and affordable travel campaigns.