Category: Daily Monitor

In the first quarter of 2026, IRA data shows, industry gross written premiums rose to Shs603.86b, up from Shs571b in the same period in 2025, a gain of Shs32.86b, or 5.75 percent. But the growth was not evenly spread. Life insurance carried the market, growing by Shs56.17b, or 26 percent, to Shs272.11b. Non-life insurance slipped by Shs9.52b, or 2.89 percent, to Shs319.65b.

Non-life: Bigger balance sheets, but tougher underwriting

In the first quarter of 2025, the non-life market was led by UAP General, Sanlam General, Jubilee Health, Jubilee Allianz, and Britam, which together wrote about Shs196.5b, or 59.7 percent of non-life premiums. But that has changed. IRA data indicate that in the three months to March 2026, the top five non-life insurers are Sanlam Allianz, Old Mutual, Britam, ICEA Lion General, and AAR, with combined premiums of Shs197.08b, or 61.65 percent of the market. The value improvement was modest, Shs574.21m, or 0.29 percent, but market concentration improved by nearly 2 percentage points. The clearest effect of consolidation was visible in market share. Sanlam Allianz became the largest non-life player with Shs68.43b in premiums and 21.41 percent market share. Old Mutual, the successor brand to UAP General in the workbook, followed with Shs53.37b and 16.7 percent.

However, consolidation did not automatically produce premium growth. Compared with the combined first quarter of 2025, Sanlam General and Jubilee Allianz’s base of Shs75.9b, Sanlam Allianz’s first quarter 2026 premium of Shs68.43b was lower by Shs7.47b, or 9.84 percent. Old Mutual’s non-life book also declined from UAP General’s Shs59.03b to Shs53.37b, down by Shs5.66b, or 9.59 percent. The underwriting picture was mixed. Old Mutual improved its loss ratio sharply from UAP General’s 90.5 percent in the first quarter of 2025 to 55.1 percent in March 2026, while Sanlam Allianz reported a loss ratio of 41.1 percent, broadly comparable with Sanlam General’s 42.5 percent a year earlier. Britam improved from 40.7 percent to 35.8 percent, while ICEA Lion General’s loss ratio rose from 29.8 percent to 33.5 percent.

AAR was the outlier. It entered the non-life top five with Shs21.96b in premiums and 6.87 percent market share, but posted a very high loss ratio of 260.3 percent, suggesting claims pressure in its health-heavy book.

Life: The consolidation story is clearly positive

Life insurance delivered the stronger story. In the first quarter of 2025, the top five life insurers were Prudential, UAP Life, ICEA Lion Life, Jubilee Life, and Liberty Life, which wrote Shs192.48b, equivalent to 89.14 percent of life premiums. But in the three months to March 2026, the top five have changed to Jubilee Life, Prudential, ICEA Lion Life, Old Mutual Life, and Sanlam Life, in that order.

IRA data indicates that during the period, the top five wrote Shs248.22b, or 91.22 percent of the life market, a gain of Shs55.73b, or 29 percent, and lifted concentration by about 2.1 percentage points. The biggest movement was Jubilee Life, which more than doubled premiums from Shs32.63b to Shs72.62b, a gain of Shs39.99b, or 122.6 percent. Its market share rose to about 26.68 percent, making it the life market leader. Prudential remained strong, growing from Shs63.46b to Shs68.03b, up by 7.19 percent, while ICEA Lion Life rose from Shs35.02b to Shs53.04b, up by 51.48 percent. Old Mutual Life, compared with UAP Life’s first quarter of 2025 base, declined by Shs5.36b, or 14.06 percent, to Shs32.74b.

Claims and loss ratios show why the life story is not just about size. Jubilee Life’s loss ratio improved from 84.6 percent to 70.6 percent, ICEA Lion Life from 73.1 percent to 47.6 percent, while Sanlam Life improved dramatically from 105.5 percent to 43.3 percent. Prudential, however, saw its loss ratio rise from 33.8 percent to 46.1 percent, reflecting faster claims growth than earned premium growth.

IRA’s nudge toward mergers and amalgamations appears to be creating a market with fewer, larger, more visible leaders. In non-life, the effect is showing more in market concentration than in premium growth. In life, the effect is stronger: premiums, top-five dominance, and several loss ratios all improved. The insurance market seems to be moving from a fragmented industry with many players toward larger institutions with stronger market shares, deeper premium pools, and, in several cases, better claims discipline.

Uganda was plunged into total darkness on Friday night following a massive system failure on the national grid, rekindling public frustration over chronic power instability just as the country transitions into a new era of state-managed electricity.

The nationwide blackout occurred at exactly 9:07 PM on June 5, 2026, according to an emergency notice issued by the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL). In a statement, UETCL confirmed that its technical teams had been deployed to investigate the root cause and restore the grid, offering regrets for the widespread inconvenience.

While UETCL manages the high-voltage transmission, the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) also issued an urgent outage alert to its customers, attributing the shutdown to the transmission network. However, top energy officials appeared brief on the exact details of the crisis. When contacted, Stephen Illungole, the Head of Communications at UEDCL, confirmed the system failure but referred further inquiries to the regional management.

“That’s true, but you contact Mohammad Lubogo, that is his jurisdiction. I don’t have details,” Illungole said in response to inquiries.

Efforts to reach Lubogo were unsuccessful as repeated calls went unanswered. Meanwhile, Julius Wandera, the Director of Communications at the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), also circulated a public notice acknowledging the national blackout. Highly placed sources within the sector pointed to an unconfirmed fault at the Owen Falls Dam (Nalubaale Power Station) in Jinja as the trigger for the collapse.

This latest system collapse serves as a reality check for Ugandan consumers. For years, citizens endured high tariffs, frequent load-shedding, and sluggish customer service under the private distributor, Umeme. The recent departure of Umeme-marking the end of its 20-year concession-was widely celebrated, giving Ugandans renewed hope that state-led management under UEDCL would usher in a reliable, efficient, and affordable energy sector.

However, Friday’s total grid failure revives painful memories of past nationwide blackouts that have historically crippled businesses, darkened hospitals, and frustrated households. For many, the incident is a sobering reminder that removing Umeme was only the first step; the government now faces the monumental task of upgrading aging infrastructure at generation points like Jinja to prevent the country from slipping back into an era of perpetual darkness.

President Museveni yesterday delivered a State of the Nation Address, his 41st since seizing power in 1986, in line with Article 101(1) of the Constitution that obliges him to do so every start of a legislative session. In the 2025 address, exactly a year ago today, the President committed to accelerate Uganda’s economic growth and investments in oil and gas infrastructure, with a target of ‘first oil out by this year.

He spotlighted bullet-proofing Uganda’s security, despite raging instability in neighbouring countries, pursuing value addition to bolster export earnings and announced the wonders of Parish Development Model (PDM) in taming poverty. Delivered by a Head of State or Government, SONA is an annual comprehensive account of the subsisting socio-economic and political affairs in a country over a past year and setting the sitting government’s priorities for the next 12 months.

In the case of the 2025 address, Mr Museveni made at least 15 pledges. Except for featuring multiple videos of beneficiaries testifying about prospering from PDM and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), the President yesterday skirted discussing the achievements made or the challenges encountered in fulfilling the promises he had made. We revisit the pledges and, based on official figures and commentary, score how near or distant Uganda is today from the fortunes the President promised 365 days ago, a period within which he secured a new five-year mandate.

Growing the economy

President Museveni pledged to grow Uganda’s economy tenfold, from $50b in 2023 to $500b by 2040. The magic? Massive investments in agro-industrialisation, mineral development, tourism, and science and technology (ATMS). By last June, Uganda Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at $66.9b, less by $433.1b against the target. To achieve the $500b over 15 years to 2040, the last mile of Uganda’s current development blueprint, the country’s wealth should on average year-on-year expand by about $29b. However, over the past 12 months, the GDP increased by just $1.5b, a tiny fraction of the mean, placing Uganda farther from the target. The development of the 1000-hectare Wadelai Irrigation Scheme in Pakwach District was at 93.5 percent by June 2025, and President Museveni promised to have it up and running.

The African Development Bank, its main funder, however reported a marginal 0.5 percent additional progress a year later. Only two of four planned medium-scale irrigation schemes – Naimatsu in Bududa and Acomai in Bukedea District, which Museveni launched last November – are completed and functional.

Construction progress for the others in Kween and Bulambuli districts stands at 70-90 percent, suggesting both projects are behind schedule.

Foreign Direct Investments and Diaspora remittances

In President Museveni’s 2025 SONA, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows from June 2025 to May 2026 was estimated as $3.8b while tourism earnings and remittance receipts were projected at $1.5b and $1.4b, respectively. The Uganda Development Bank noted in the annual report that Uganda received $3.57b in FDI by the end of June, last year, with the inflows primarily driven by developments in the oil and gas, mineral extraction, and manufacturing sectors.

We were unable to obtain figures of FDI inflows over the last 12 months. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Dr Ramathan Ggoobi, who doubles as the secretary to the Treasury, told a media briefing on May 29, 2026 that this FDI and Diaspora remittance declined in the third quarter of this financial year (January – March).

Earnings from tourism, compared to the same period last year, increased. Industry players such as Amos Wekesa have reported increasing booking cancellations by foreign tourists following the outbreak of Ebola last month. The Ministry of Health confirms 15 infections, as of this week, and two deaths – the deceased both being Congolese citizens who crossed the border to seek treatment.

Mineral development

While flagging mineral development as one of the four-point ATMS pillars for the 10-fold growth of Uganda’s economy, President Museveni pledged in June last year that his government would capitalise the National Mining Company to a tune of Shs500b over the next five year. This would enable the government to take 15 percent equity in all medium-scale and large-scale strategic mining operations in the country. An ambitious plan to invest Shs500b over five years would require the government on average to inject Shs100b in the sector annually. By yesterday, Mr Museveni did not speak about this promise.

Mr Amos Lugoloobi, the state minister for planning whom the President retained in the docket in last month’s reshuffle, while launching the company’s five-year (2025/6-2029/30) strategic investment plan on September 30, 2025, reiterated the government’s financing commitment. It remained unclear as of yesterday whether any funds were disbursed for operations of the company over the past year as Mr Museveni promised.

Boosting electricity supply

By the time of the 2025 SONA, Uganda’s installed power generation capacity stood at 2,052 megawatts. This quantity of energy, the President noted, was inadequate to power anticipated economic growth over the next five years. He proposed that to avert likely challenges, his government would invest in new hydropower plants at Ayago and Oriang, both in Nwoya District and Kiba in Oyam District. The three were projected to add a combined 1,622 megawatts onto the national grid. Mr Museveni also reported that works at an 8,400-megawatts nuclear power plant in the eastern Buyende District were ongoing. The planned power developments, together with existing installed capacity, were expected to increase electricity supply to the national grid to 12,074 megawatts.

According to officials, construction of a hydro-dam at Ayago has not commenced while both Kiba and Oriang dam projects are at feasibility study level.

Securing Uganda

President Museveni, the commander-in-chief, said his government would continue to secure Uganda, despite volatilities in neighbouring countries, and modernise and professionalise the security forces. He promised to improve the welfare of the men and women in uniform and strengthen civil-military cooperation. Through Operation Shujaa, Uganda’s military remains fighting alongside the Congolese army against motley rebel and militia groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated terrorist group, remains holed up in the jungles.

The ADF was a Ugandan rebel group, before UPDF firepower forced them to escape into Congo forests, from where they have allegedly attacked schools in western Ugandan and exploded home-made bombs in the capital, Kampala.

In the first week of June 2025, precisely on Uganda’s Martyrs Day, a cyclist and passenger died in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast near Ugandan Martyrs Shrine Munyonyo. Another alleged terrorist was gunned near Kalerwe Market in the northern part of Kampala. However, those attacks led to investigations into allegations that the explosions were planned in-house, leading to the arrest of the former Chief of Military Intelligence (CMI), now renamed the Defence Intelligence Security (DIS), and two directors — all still detained at Makindye Military Barracks.

Since then, no IED has exploded in Uganda, and President Museveni has stopped his regular televised briefing about the counter-ADF offensive.

In regard to improving security forces’ welfare, the government has included in the next Financial Year budget, to be read next week, a 25 percent pay raise for soldiers at the rank of Captain and below. The salaries of senior officers, which start from the rank of Major and upwards, have been doubled.

Similarly, the pay for junior police and prisons personnel is to rise by 25 percent, effective July 1, 2026. The army is also building new structures at barracks to improve accommodation for its rank-and-file and its new National Referral Hospital has changed the skyline of Mbuya, a city suburb. However, the army’s involvement before, during and after the elections early this year, and the social media gloating by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, about soldiers killing and arresting Opposition supporters drew criticism from activists and rights defenders, both in and outside Uganda.

Oil and gas

In his 2025 SONA, Mr Museveni said the government would work with the international oil companies including the China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC), Total Energies, and other partners to finalise the construction of the 1,443-kilometre East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) from Hoima in mid-western Uganda to Tanga in Tanzania. He further hinted on the signed Memorandum of Understanding with Alpha BMB Investment Group of the United Arab Emirates for the planned construction of an Oil Refinery in Buliisa District’s Industrial Park.

The President noted then that the government would prioritise the construction of refined petroleum products pipeline, and Kabalega Industrial Park to attract petro-chemical industries, among others. The President, however, did not say whether Uganda was on track to produce the first oil by next month as the government bigwigs and former line minister Ruth Nankabirwa repeatedly promised. Official records show that the two dominant firms – CNOON and Total Energies – have significantly invested in Uganda’s fledging oil sector.

In early May, CNOOC conducted a successful oil drilling exercise, which indicated readiness in extracting the oil. According to figures from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), the oil projects are 80 percent complete. The Kingfisher Development Area under CNOOC, in particular, is 99 percent ready, while work at Tilenga Oil Development Area, operated by the French oil giant, is at 90 percent. With EACOP progress at 82 percent, it remains unclear whether Uganda’s first oil will be out by July, despite significant progress in related infrastructure development.

Infrastructure

President Museveni in his address also hinted at the commencement of the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which he had launched the previous year. No work, except payment to project-affected persons, has started. The World Bank in a meeting with the President in March, this year, committed to avail $650m to bankroll the long-delayed project, subject to technical, economic, commercial and legal feasibility studies. On roads, he pledged that 16 roads measuring a total 788.6 kilometres would be upgraded to bitumen, in addition to rehabilitation of the 79-kilometre Nebbi-Arua highway.

He also said that eight roads measuring 290.2km would be improved in the same financial year to first-class gravel standard, while 14 roads measuring 1,201.5km would undergo a massive repair and rehabilitation.

The works ministry records indicate that Uganda’s tarmacked national road network now stands at 6,338 kilometres, up from 6,199 kilometres, meaning the government over the past 12 months surfaced only 139 kilometres of road against a 789-kilometre target. Majority of these roads were earmarked to be constructed with funding under the Shs1.6 trillion supplementary funding which Parliament approved for the transport ministry on December 2, 2025. Although some of the works have started, delays in procurement and varied contractor performances have meant different levels of progress, including for major arteries such as Fortal – Bundibugyo, Gulu-Atiak-Nimule, Mubende-Kyenjojo, and Ntungamo-Rukungiri roads.

The government, with funding from the Japanese counterpart, is expected to start construction of a cable-stayed bridge on River Nile at Karuma, to more securely connect the rest of the country to northern Uganda, and onwards to larger South Sudan and DRC markets.

I both receive and give money in my relationship. I am quite independent and not always good at asking for help, but like anyone, I reach a point where I need support. My partner steps in when needed, and I do the same. However, giving depends on the level of the relationship, because I have previously been taken advantage of.

Women can give men money, but only where there is trust and reciprocity. Men also go through challenges and may need support, even if they do not always express it. If there is a safe and open environment, I would not hesitate to help.

That said, I would not give money in undefined relationships. I once sent money to someone I had never met after we built trust through constant communication. He returned it the first time, but later asked for more and then disappeared after I sent it. That experience made me more cautious.

In serious relationships such as marriage, especially where there are shared responsibilities and clear expectations on whether money is a gift or a loan, it makes sense to support each other. Outside of that, any financial help should be minimal.

When a woman earns more than her partner, it can affect dynamics if not handled well, but it is not necessarily a problem. Personally, I would see it as an advantage. It simply means more resources for both partners and their children.

Ultimately, income differences should not create conflict. With mutual respect and open communication, couples can navigate finances and build a stable, supportive relationship together.

Colin Asiimwe – NTV Men Panelist/ Social Commentator

Relationships, in my view, are built on cooperation and collaboration. That means sharing resources, ideas, responsibilities, and working toward common goals. If one side begins to withdraw support, it risks breaking that foundation, and no one benefits from that outcome.

Financial support is not just about money, it extends to access, networks and opportunities.

Once people begin to withhold money, it can easily extend to other forms of value. That kind of thinking risks slowing down the progress made in equality and shared growth, where both men and women contribute meaningfully in different spaces.

Decisions around money should be guided by shared goals. If a couple agrees on priorities, such as building a home or educating children, both partners must contribute. It does not work for one person to withhold their resources while still expecting to benefit from shared outcomes.

There is also a broader concern. Many of these perspectives come from a small group of financially secure individuals. At a wider population level, removing generosity and mutual support could worsen inequality. It risks leaving those with fewer resources behind, especially when relationships become transactional and based only on what each person can materially contribute.

On income differences, I believe men should be cautious about relationships where women earn significantly more. In many cases, women tend to choose partners at or above their financial level. While exceptions exist, they are not the norm, and such dynamics can create instability if not carefully managed.

Sarah Karungi – Baker, AI Trainer, Wife and Mother

I receive and also give money in my relationship. My husband and I have supported each other since we started dating, and we do not let money control our relationship. While money is important for meeting material needs, we prioritise openness, truthfulness, patience, empathy, and love.

Women should support their partners financially if they can. Money is temporary, and in marriage, partners share everything, including financial responsibilities. If my husband is struggling, I will help him just as he would help me. Marriage is built on companionship, but many couples turn money into a source of competition, which creates unnecessary strain.

The circumstances under which women give men money vary from one relationship to another. Where there is strong communication and understanding, support becomes natural and does not require strict conditions. Given current economic realities, including job losses and the high cost of living, mutual support is more important than ever.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, many women stepped in when their husbands lost jobs. The same applies in cases of illness or investment. Partners should be able to rely on each other without hesitation. Without that, marriage risks becoming transactional.

When a woman earns more than her partner, it should not be a problem if there is mutual respect. It only becomes an issue when it is used to create control. Relationships are not competitions. Couples should work as a team, plan together, and remain transparent, especially on finances, to avoid conflict and unnecessary loss.

Alex Kakande – Financial Advisor

True empowerment and equity depend on financial independence for both men and women. A financially secure person makes better decisions, and when both partners are independent, relationships tend to be healthier.

In a healthy relationship, supporting your partner financially is natural, especially for meaningful needs such as building a home or paying school fees. However, this should never feel like an obligation. A woman’s income belongs to her first, and she should prioritise saving and investing for her future. Any support she gives should come from love, not expectation, unlike in the past when women were expected to surrender their earnings.

Given how often relationships end today, financial independence gives women the freedom to make better decisions.

Traditionally, men are seen as providers, but it is now common for women to earn more or even be sole breadwinners. This can create tension, particularly for men who feel pressure to lead financially. For this reason, my advice is that a man should look for a woman who earns about the same or less than him, as it makes relationships easier to manage. When the woman earns much more, the dynamics become difficult for the man to accept.

That said, such relationships can work. They require emotional intelligence, mutual respect, and effort from both partners. Financial dynamics influence decision-making, and imbalance can make one partner feel threatened or powerless.

Both partners should be empowered financially. A woman should earn, keep, and grow her money, and if she chooses to support her partner, it should always be voluntary and grounded in mutual understanding.

Patience Ahabwe – Social Media Strategist

It is acceptable to give a man money where there is a clearly defined relationship and mutual understanding. Some may treat it as a loan, expecting repayment, while others see it as support. What matters most is clarity.

In marriage, this becomes more natural because it is a union where both partners depend on each other. Generosity, including financial support, is part of that commitment.

There are several circumstances where this support makes sense. If a partner is in need and you are able to help, it strengthens the relationship. Life is unpredictable, and partners should be able to rely on each other in difficult moments. If your spouse cannot depend on you, then you are a reliability.

Finances, like other aspects of a relationship, should be shared. Emotional, mental, physical, and financial contributions all play a role, and responsibility should not fall on one person alone.

However, in less defined relationships such as friendships, more caution is necessary. Financial support is not an obligation, so it is important to set boundaries and ensure there is mutual understanding. It helps to establish clear systems for how such support is handled.

On income differences, these should not become a source of conflict. Earnings vary based on different factors and should not affect how partners treat each other. Even where the man is the primary provider, a woman can step in to ease financial pressure when needed.

In the end, income differences should work to the advantage of both partners and not become a source of conflict.

Parliament has received a citizenship verification report from the Ministry of Internal Affairs that has raised questions about the eligibility of some ministers and ministers of state under Uganda’s dual citizenship laws.

Documents dated May 29 show that the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control conducted the verification following a request from Parliament’s Appointments Committee seeking confirmation of the citizenship status of ministerial nominees.

“Reference is made to your letter no. AP56/234/01 dated May 28, 2026, on verification of citizenship status of ministers and ministers of state,” the document states.

It adds that immigration officials conducted a search of their records and attached findings covering 32 Cabinet ministers and 51 ministers of state.

The report flagged four individuals over citizenship declarations and dual nationality issues.

Among them is Foreign Affairs Minister-designate Adonia Ayebare, who the report indicates holds Ugandan and United States citizenship, with the latter acquired on April 23, 2025.

State Minister for Finance (Microfinance) Shartsi Kutesa Musherure was also listed as holding Ugandan and American citizenship, acquired on March 14, 2025.

The report further noted that Calvin Echodu, nominated for State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), had no formal record of dual citizenship on file, although immigration records indicated possession of both Ugandan and American travel documents.

State Minister for Internal Affairs-designate Lawrence Muganga was listed as holding Ugandan, Rwandan and Canadian citizenship, with Ugandan citizenship recorded as having been granted on November 12, 2024.

Uganda’s Constitution permits dual citizenship under Article 15. However, Article 15(7) empowers Parliament to restrict holders of dual nationality from occupying certain public offices.

The Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control (Amendment) Act, 2009 lists several sensitive state positions that may not be held by dual citizens, including the offices of Prime Minister, Cabinet minister and minister of state.

Speaking to Daily Monitor, Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige confirmed that Parliament received the immigration report and tabled it before the Appointments Committee.

“I received it from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and I presented it before the committee. The committee had directed us to write to the Ministry of Internal Affairs in order to verify the citizenship of the ministers,” Mwesige said.

He declined to comment on the committee’s deliberations or possible actions arising from the findings.

“I cannot disclose what the committee has done. I have no authority to do that. Though, the committee will look at the law and will follow it accordingly,” he said.

The report has renewed debate over whether citizenship verification procedures for senior government officials are sufficiently conducted before ministerial appointments are approved.

Efforts to obtain comment from the Ministry of Internal Affairs spokesperson, Simon Peter Mundeyi, were unsuccessful.

Under Section 19 of the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control (Amendment) Act, 2009, a Ugandan citizen seeking citizenship of another country while retaining Ugandan nationality must notify the Uganda Immigration Board in writing and provide details of the foreign citizenship application.

Failure to notify the board attracts a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of Shs3 million, or both upon conviction.

Verified citizenship status of ministers

Cabinet Ministers

NAME – NATIONALITY status / verification findings

Hon. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo (Maj. Rtd) – Ugandan

Hon. Robinah Nabbanja – Ugandan

Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga – Ugandan

Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga – Ugandan

Hon. Lukia Nakadama – Ugandan

Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni – Ugandan

Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda – Ugandan

Hon. Jim Muhwezi – Ugandan

Eng. Asiimwe Jonard – Ugandan

Hon. Minsa Kabanda – Ugandan

Hon. Eng. Hillary Onek – Ugandan

Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero – Ugandan

Hon. Sam Engola – Ugandan

Hon. Lokii John Baptist – Ugandan

Hon. Frank Tumwebaze – Ugandan

Hon. Sam Mayanja – Ugandan

Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka – Ugandan

Hon. Dr. Musenero Monica Musanza – Ugandan

Hon. Henry Musasizi – Ugandan

Amb. Adonia Ayebare – Dual Citizen – Ugandan and American obtained on 23rd April, 2025

Hon. Lt. Gen. Tumukunde Henry Kakurugu – Ugandan

Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi – Ugandan

Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba – Ugandan

Hon. Prof. Kamuntu Ephraim – Ugandan

Hon. Nobert Mao – Ugandan

Hon. Judith Nabakooba – Ugandan

Hon. Balaam Barugahara – Ugandan

Gen. Katumba Wamala – Ugandan

Hon. Tom Butime – Ugandan

Hon. Sanjay Tanna – Ugandan

Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire – Ugandan

Hon. Byamukama Fred – Ugandan

Ministers of State

NAME – NATIONALITY status / verification findings

Hon. Alum Sandra Santa – Ugandan

Hon. Akello Rose – Ugandan

Hon. Mutasingwa Diana Nankunda – Ugandan

Hon. Lillian Aber – Ugandan

Hon. Beatrice Akello – Ugandan

Hon. Anyakun Esther Davinia – Ugandan

Hon. Alice Kaboyo – Ugandan

Hon. Grace Mary Mugasa – Ugandan

Hon. Dr. Ongalo-Obote – Ugandan

Hon. Desire Muhooza – Ugandan

Hon. Rwamirama Bright – Ugandan

Hon. Migadde Robert Ndugwa – Ugandan

Hon. Kafuuzi Jackson – Ugandan

Hon. Akifeza Grace Ngabirano – Ugandan

Hon. Oleru Huda – Ugandan

Hon. Magode Ikuya – Ugandan

Hon. Dr. Muyingo John Chrysostom – Ugandan

Hon. Phyllis Chemutai – Ugandan

Hon. Peter Ogwang – Ugandan

Hon. Okasai Sidronius Opolot – Ugandan

Hon. Phiona Nyamutooro – Ugandan

Hon. Cissy Mulondo – Ugandan

Hon. Amos Lugoloobi – Ugandan

Ms. Amina Mukalazi – Ugandan

Hon. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure – Dual Citizen – Ugandan and American obtained on 14th March, 2025

Hon. Calvin Echodu – No official record of dual citizenship found but holds a American passport number 55498889 and Ugandan Passport.

Hon. Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo – Ugandan

Hon. Kuteesa Mary Kamuli – Ugandan

Hon. Lakisa Mercy Faith – Ugandan

Hon. Simon Mulongo – Ugandan

Hon. Acan Joyce Okeny – Ugandan

Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi – Ugandan

Hon. Anifa Bangirana Kawooya – Ugandan

Hon. Dr. Ayume Charles – Ugandan

Hon. Joyce Ssebugwawo – Ugandan

Hon. Alioni Yorke Odria – Ugandan

Dr. Lawrence Muganga – Holds citizenship of Rwanda, Canada and Uganda. Uganda Citizenship granted 12th November 2024

Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye – Ugandan

Hon. Persis Namuganza – Ugandan

Hon. Margaret Muhanga Mugisa – Ugandan

Hon. Harriet Ntabazi – Ugandan

Hon. Justine Nameere – Ugandan

Hon. Wanyoto Lydia Mutende – Ugandan

Hon. Nakawuki Susan Nsambu – Ugandan

Hon. Tom Aza – Ugandan

Hon. Bahati David – Ugandan

Gen. Wilson Mbadi – Ugandan

Hon. Beatrice Anywar – Ugandan

Hon. Aisha Sekkindi – Ugandan

Mr. Siraji Musa Ali – Ugandan

Hon. Julius Maganda Wandera – Ugandan

A section of women in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro and Rubanda have embarked on the establishment of Kitchen garden technologies as a way of cutting expenses on vegetables, which they have been buying from markets daily.

Kitchen gardens are small-scale gardens designed for growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits close to the home.

They provide fresh produce for daily cooking and enhance culinary experiences.

About 100 members from the Nyamiyaga-Kaforero community have ventured into the practice, their leader, Ms Innocent Kyarisiima, said on Friday.

This is an initiative of Common Ground Project, which helped to skill them with the technology.

Ms Kyarisiima said they have been supported in producing vegetables for home use and income generation since the surplus vegetables are sold in the nearby markets.

‘I used to spend about Shs50,000 monthly to buy vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, ggg plants, green pepper, spinach, odo and cabbages for home use.”

However, after establishing the kitchen garden where all these items are produced, she now saves the money for buying other manufactured household items such as salt, sugar, replacing broken plates and cups without bothering her husband as it was before.

She adds: ”I am very sure that if all the women in this country embrace Kitchen garden technology, cases of domestic violence and malnutrition would reduce.”

Another community woman leader, Ms Loyda Tushabe, who is a resident of Kiruruma village in Ikamiro Parish, Muko Sub-County in Rubanda District, re-echoed the beauty of kitchen garden technologies but mentioned the scarcity of water for irrigating the vegetable gardens during the dry season as a major challenge they face in sustaining crop production.

‘During the rainy seasons, we get a lot from Kitchen gardens, unlike in the dry season where we struggle to maintain them because of the scarcity of water for irrigation.”

She believes that if the government and its development partners can give mini-irrigation schemes or water harvesting tanks, they can produce vegetables throughout the year regardless of the season,’ Ms Tushabe said.

Mr Gilvazio Byaruhanga said the initiative has reduced friction within households as the pressure of providing for food was imminent.

‘After my wife established a kitchen garden at our home one year ago, I immediately started saving the money I used to spend on buying vegetables from markets.”

He now intends to use money he is saving to buy an extra piece of land to boost vegetable growing and also get a loan from their village savings and credit organisation to buy trees and also venture into goat farming as an alternative source of income.

Mr Rogers Mfitumukiza, an agricultural expert at Common Ground Project in Kigezi Region, said that the Kitchen Garden concept was rolled out after a baseline survey conducted in 2023 showed that several households were affected by poor nutrition and limited incomes because of poor farming practices.

‘A total of 40,000 households in the Kigezi Region have been trained on the establishment of the Kitchen garden concept, and these households have been clustered in 36 communities for easy mobilisation and training.”

Noting that: ”We have identified role model farmers that we further trained as Integrated Farm Trainers (IFTs) to assist in training other local farmers to take up the modern farming technologies that boost food security and income generation at the household level.”

For the sustainability of the Kitchen garden concept, Mr Mfitumukiza said that while the organisation provided some water harvesting tanks and constructed protected water springs to address the challenge of water scarcity among the people in the project area.

They have also linked the farmers to agro-input dealers and seed-selling companies to help them with skills on disease control, quality seed selection and general crop management practices.

On Monday, Tenge Tenge was proof nobody needed law school. By Friday, he needed somebody from law school. 2026 has honestly been a confusing year for career guidance in Uganda. One minute we are telling children to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, and serious people.

The next minute someone on the internet is confidently declaring that the new blueprint for success is none other than Tenge Tenge. It all started when Ben Mwine looked at Uganda’s education system, corporate ladder, and general life structure and decided we had all been thinking too small.

According to him, ‘Tenge Tenge is now earning CEO money and you are still insisting on LDC?’ He added a reminder that ‘the cheese has been moving for a while,’ which is the kind of statement that sounds wise until you sit down and try to explain it to your landlord.

To be fair, the point about the digital economy stood.

Today, a teenager with a smartphone, WiFi, and charisma can build an audience bigger than some traditional media empires. For a moment, Ugandans reconsidered everything, with some even jokingly debating whether to replace school fees with ring lights. But just as quickly, reality fact-checked the excitement.

The Tenge Tenge narrative flipped: from being held up as the future CEO of the internet age to suddenly needing legal help over management disputes. In true Ugandan fashion, the same voice that once questioned law school was now calling for lawyers. Within days, the country had done a full emotional U-turn completing a complete career guidance loop without ever leaving the couch.

For those just joining the story, Tenge Tenge is one of Uganda’s most recognizable young content creators. Barely a teenager, he built a massive online audience through skits, challenges, and pure internet charm. His content travelled far beyond Uganda, earning him brand deals, collaborations, international trips, and millions of views.

Soon, things exploded publicly between his father, his manager, and surrounding stakeholders. At the center of all this chaos was one uncomfortable question: if this boy was ‘earning CEO money,’ why did the story still feel like a family trying to figure out school fees? Bruno K stepped in like Uganda’s unofficial crisis manager, me as me I think Bruno K should get a new name because this particular name was his music stage name, and like we all know, lately mans does more yapping than music.

Blending the roles of lawyer, therapist, journalist, and concerned uncle who refuses to let drama end without resolution. Using highly emotional TikTok Lives, he brought together Tenge Tenge, his father, and the manager in front of thousands of viewers who treated the situation like live entertainment and national therapy at once.

The sessions quickly turned chaotic arguments, tears, and real-time donations flowed as viewers contributed for school fees and even gifted a phone to keep content creation going. In true Ugandan fashion, a mediation meeting became part fundraiser, part reality show, and part public courtroom.

For a brief moment, it felt like everything might collapse completely into internet chaos. But then, just as quickly, reconciliation happened. Agreements were made as apologies were exchanged. The family and management team agreed to work together again while seeking proper legal clarity around earnings, ownership, and structure. Thank you Bruno K , you should have been the man behind the Kony talks!

The government has unveiled an ambitious legislative agenda for the 2026/27 financial year, proposing 38 Bills, policy frameworks, reports and statutory instruments for consideration by Parliament, six more than were presented during the previous financial year.

President Museveni announced the legislative programme while delivering the State of the Nation Address at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds yesterday, saying the proposed measures are intended to strengthen governance, improve service delivery and provide the legal framework necessary for the country’s continued development.

‘I now present to Parliament the legislative agenda for the next financial year. There are many, and the ministers responsible will table these Bills to Parliament,’ Mr Museveni said. The legislative package combines new Bills and measures carried forward from the outgoing financial year, covering sectors ranging from education and agriculture to health, transport, finance and internal security.

Among the key Bills expected to come before Parliament are the Building Substances Bill, 2025, the Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Bill, 2023, amendments to the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, and the Education (Pre-Primary, Primary and Post-Primary) Act, 2008. The government also plans to table the Curriculum, Assessment and Admissions Bill as part of broader reforms in the education sector.

In agriculture, ministers will present the Food and Agriculture Regulatory Authority Bill, 2026, and the Animal Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening regulation and disease control within the sector. The legislative programme further includes amendments to the Local Government Act and the Uganda Tourism Act as government seeks to improve service delivery and support economic growth. The health sector is expected to undergo significant legal reforms through proposed amendments to the Pharmacy and Drugs Act, the Nurses and Midwives Act, and the Allied Health Professionals Act. Other notable proposals include the National Legal Examinations Centre Bill, 2026, the Information and Communication Bill, 2023, the Workers’ Compensation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Uganda Railways Bill, 2026.

Government also intends to table the Real Estate Bill, 2025, which seeks to regulate the fast-growing property sector. A substantial portion of the legislative agenda is dedicated to public finance management and accountability. Among the documents and bills to be presented are the Annual Macroeconomic and Fiscal Performance Report for the 2025/26 financial year, the Annual Budget Performance Report, the Annual Report on the Petroleum Fund, and the National Budget Framework Paper covering the period 2027/28 to 2031/32.

Other key documents include the Semi-Annual Budget Performance Report for FY2026/27, the Half-Year Macroeconomic and Fiscal Performance Report, ministerial policy statements for the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and related statutory votes, as well as the Draft Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for FY2027/28. Government will also table a report on multi-year commitments, a Treasury Memorandum detailing implementation of parliamentary recommendations arising from the Auditor General’s report, a statement on tax expenditures, a government asset divestment plan, and a report on public debt, loans, grants and guarantees.

Despite the expansive legislative programme, questions remain about Parliament’s ability to process such a large volume of business within a single financial year. The concern stems from the performance of the outgoing legislative calendar, in which government tabled 32 bills, reports and policy proposals, but fewer than half of the proposed laws were ultimately enacted.

The new legislative programme comes at a time when Parliament faces growing demands to balance scrutiny of major policy reforms with routine budget approvals and oversight responsibilities.

The economy is projected to grow by 6.4 percent in the 2025/26 financial year, up slightly from 6.3 percent in the 2024/25 financial year, according to preliminary estimates from Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos). While this growth remains below government’s target of between 6.5 percent and 7 percent, it reflects the economy’s resilience amid global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and disruptions in international trade. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to rise from Shs227.9 trillion to Shs250.4 trillion, highlighting continued expansion across key sectors.

Backbone of the economy

The services sector remains Uganda’s largest economic pillar, contributing 42.1 percent of GDP in the 2025/26 financial year. The sector also recorded growth of 5.5 percent, slightly higher than the 5.4 percent registered the previous year, supported by trade and repair services, which grew by 6.9 percent. Financial and insurance activities expanded by 8.3 percent, while accommodation and food services increased by 7.7 percent. Information and communication services grew by 6.6 percent, while transport and storage activities expanded by 5.0 percent. The strong performance of financial services, tourism-related activities, and digital communications demonstrates the increasing importance of modern service industries in Uganda’s economy.

Agriculture

The agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector contributed 26.2 percent of GDP, up slightly from 26.1 percent in the previous financial year. The sector grew by 6.5 percent, making it one of the strongest performers. Growth was driven mainly by food crop production, which expanded by 4.9 percent, and cash crops, which registered a robust growth rate of 12.1 percent. Agriculture continues to play a critical role in supporting rural livelihoods, food security, exports, and household incomes. The strong growth in cash crops reflects improving performance in export-oriented agriculture.

Industry

The industry sector accounted for 24.1 percent of GDP, slightly down from 24.3 percent the previous year. However, the sector still achieved a solid 6.4 percent growth rate. The sector’s performance was driven by construction, which grew by 8.2 percent, manufacturing, which expanded by 5.5 percent, and electricity generation and supply, which recorded an impressive 14.4 percent growth. The strong performance in construction reflects continued investment in infrastructure, while growth in electricity supply signals increasing industrial capacity and economic modernization.

Government expects growth to accelerate towards 8 percent and beyond in the medium term, supported by oil and gas investments, increased exports, foreign direct investment (FDI), higher remittances, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and Emyooga. The long-term ambition is to achieve double-digit growth, reduce poverty, create nearly 885,000 jobs annually, and double the size of the economy by the 2029/30 financial year.

The latest figures show that while services remain the dominant contributor to gross domestic product, Uganda’s growth is becoming increasingly broad-based, with agriculture and industry also posting strong gains and providing a foundation for sustained economic transformation.

The pitch at Makerere University is called the Graveyard. It is an apt name for a club that spent the better part of two years flirting with extinction and then refusing to stay dead.

Makerere Impis were relegated from the Uganda Rugby Premiership in 2024, dropping to the Central Regional Championship and facing what looked like a long road back.

They had tumbled out alongside Lifeguard Rams, a fellow Makerere-based club, which created a punishing problem. Because both relegated teams came from the same Central Rugby Championship, only one could return immediately. To get back, Impis would first have to beat their neighbours.

The story of how they did it, and what has followed since is for another day.

Building from the schools

The seeds of the crisis were visible before the axe fell. Impis were caught mid-cycle, shifting from one generation of experienced players to another of rookies who were mostly playing their first senior rugby. And within two years from 2022, they had been relegated from the Premiership and lost core status in the National Sevens Series.

Then came Alvin Nkamba, a coach leading a Premiership side for the very first time. He arrived after a decorated run at St Mary’s College Kisubi where he had won an East Africa Games gold medal, two consecutive Central Schools finals and the 2025 Central Schools Sevens title.

He brought with him Syrus Sebuliba as a deputy. Sebuliba had coached Impis himself in 2023, and joined a part of a backroom staff that included strength and conditioning coach Brian Wambedde and reserves coach Emmanuel Sama, a former referee and Victoria Sharks technical team alumnus.

Nkamba’s approach was structural.

“One of the things we looked at has been extending our culture into the age-grade community most especially the rugby-playing schools,” he explained.

“Having that message go out to these young boys has enabled us to get a very strong base from which we pick the best of the best.”

The players he recruited already knew each other, bonded across six years of schools rugby. “Trying to get them together wasn’t actually hard,” he adds, “These are friends and brothers. Our job was to get them within the Impis system and get the best out of them.”

Impis went through the Central Championship unbeaten, edging Rams 14-13 at the Graveyard. Then they won all three Promotional Playoff games, including a 24-13 defeat of Gulu City Falcons that ultimately bounced the back into the topflight division and confirmed that the Graveyard would host top-flight rugby once more.

Season two

Before the 2026 campaign began, Nkamba sat with players and staff to evaluated the fixture list and set their targets and assigned roles.

The executive committee led by chairman Sylvester Egumire Nnyombi built a gym, approximately 60 percent complete, at the Graveyard. An attack coach was added to the staff.

“Everyone being able to comfortably sit into their shoes and do their part has enabled us to achieve most of our goals,” Nkamba said.

They opened with a 44-16 demolition of Warriors, the biggest win of their season. In week two, they edged former champions Heathens 16-10, with Darren Aine slotting two penalties and racing clear from his own half to seal the result. After two rounds, the promoted side sat top of the Premiership.

Over thirteen games, they have won seven, scoring 26 tries and conceding 31, recording the seventh-best attacking and sixth-best defensive numbers in the league.

Daring Aine

Their skipper Darren Aine has been the season’s defining individual. According to data shared by Isa Metrics, the fullback and backline captain has amassed 131 points, the most ever recorded by a player in their debut Premiership campaign, surpassing Malcolm Okello’s 130 for Heathens in 2024.

He is Impis’ second-top try scorer with four, has converted 42 of 65 attempts at goal, and has been named Man of the Match in wins over both Heathens and Rhinos.

“He is literally at the beginning of a very impressive career,” Nkamba said of his point man.

“Not only because of his talent and athleticism but because he is a very good leader. He knows how to get those around him comfortable and playing even when things are not happening.”

Leading the try count with five is captain Clarence Muhumuza, a hooker and one of the youngest skippers in the competition. Veteran Pius Mpoza provides the experience and loose forward guidance the younger crop needs. And flyhalf Edgar Akimanzi delivered arguably the knockout’s most dramatic moment, a 40-metre drop goal that closed the aggregate gap on Kobs to a single point before Impis swept away to win the game by 20.

Comeback kings

Defeats to Plascon Mongers and then a 31-9 hammering by Black Pirates mid-season checked their ambitions but they qualified for the knockouts and drew Kobs in the quarterfinals.

The first leg ended 23-12 to Kobs, and most felt their season had been buried at their graveyard but what followed has already entered Ugandan rugby folklore. Mpoza marked his 100th appearance for the club with two tries and a man-of-the-match show as Impis overturned the deficit to stun Kobs 30-10 at Kampala Rugby Club to advance 35-33 on aggregate.

Now they face Toyota Buffaloes in the semifinal. Two teams nobody anticipated would still be standing at this stage.

Nkamba is measured when asked what comes next. “We are only getting started,” Nkamba said.

The Graveyard, as it turns out, is where Impis’ resurrections happen.

In the other semifinal, Pirates will cross to Kyadondo to face Heathens in another classic. The Graveyard, it turns out, is where resurrections happen.