Category: Daily Monitor

Global rating agency Standard and Poor’s (S and P) has cautioned that while Uganda’s banking sector remains well-capitalised, its growing exposure to government securities continues to limit lending to the private sector.

In its latest assessment, S and P said commercial banks’ exposure to government debt had risen to 31 percent of total system assets by June 2025, reflecting banks’ preference for high-yielding government paper.

‘This has crowded out private-sector lending and slowed capital market development, resulting in a slowdown in credit extension to 8.2 percent in June 2025,’ the agency said.

However, it noted that banks remain well-capitalised, with a combined core capital ratio of 25.8 percent, well above the 10 percent statutory minimum.

S and P also noted that banks are maintaining low levels of nonperforming loans, at 3.7 percent of total loans by June 2025.

Bank of Uganda’s September State of the Economy report shows that yields on government securities continued to rise, mainly due to higher government borrowing toward the end of the 2024/25 financial year and frontloaded issuances in the early 2025/26 financial year.

In the three months to August 2025, yields on Treasury bills rose to 11.5 percent (91-day), 13.2 percent (182-day), and 15.4 percent (364-day).

For Treasury bonds, yields on the two-year, 15-year, and 20-year maturities rose slightly, while those on the three-year, five-year, and 10-year dropped modestly.

Interbank rates declined in the three months to August 2025 as liquidity improved, supported by Bank of Uganda’s foreign currency purchases and increased government spending.

Overnight rate dropped to an average of 9.5 percent from 10.5 percent, while the seven-day rate fell to 10.3 percent from 11.2 percent.

The use of the standing lending facility fell sharply to Shs2.5 trillion from Shs9.4 trillion, indicating that banks relied less on central bank funding.

Despite improved liquidity, private-sector credit growth remained modest. In the three months to July 2025, annualised private sector credit growth rose slightly to 9.7 percent from 9 percent in April. Shilling-denominated loans grew 11.2 percent, while foreign currency loans increased 5.5 percent, up from 3.6 percent.

Credit demand rose to Shs8.0 trillion in July 2025, while net credit supply climbed to Shs5.6 trillion, reflecting reduced risk aversion as non-performing loans declined. The rate of credit approval improved to 70.1 percent from 59.2 percent.

However, overall net credit extensions fell to Shs1.1 trillion from Shs1.4 trillion, mainly due to a sharp drop in foreign currency loan disbursements, which recorded net recoveries of Shs261b.

President Museveni has ordered the immediate resettlement of families affected by the recent landslides and those evicted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) from park land in the Sebei Sub-region. Speaking during a campaign rally in Kween District, the President said each affected family would receive two acres of land free of charge and Shs10m to aid resettlement.

‘We will resettle them. Shs56b is already in the budget, and the money is available. We are looking for more land. That is our plan to resettle people away from the danger areas,’ he said.

Last month, multiple landslides triggered by heavy rains ravaged several rural villages in Kween, Bukwo, and Kapchorwa districts, killing 21 people and leaving 12 others missing.

More than 6,000 survivors are currently living in temporary shelters at Benet Primary School (Kween) and Chemuron Primary School (Bukwo).

Museveni emphasised the need to protect the Mt Elgon ecosystem, including its forests, lakes, and rivers, to prevent future disasters. He compared careless environmental destruction to cutting one’s nails too deep.

‘If I cut my nails, that’s fine. But if I go too deep, I start bleeding. Nature works the same way,’ he said, warning that without Mt Elgon, Rwenzori, and Kigezi hills, ‘Uganda could turn into a desert,’ he said.

Museveni also announced plans to send a team to reopen and clarify the boundary between local communities and Mt Elgon National Park, a long-standing source of conflict.

‘I sent former prime minister Rugunda to handle this, but I now know why the boundary was never opened. Some people lied to me. I will deal with them,’ he said.

Land eviction dispute

More than 660 families, containing about 7,000 people, were reportedly displaced in 2014 when UWA claimed their villages fell within a protected game reserve.

Many have since lived in makeshift camps about 500 metres from their former land in Soseti Village, Nyiliti Parish, Sundeti Sub-county.

Mr Alex Lukhanda Natembeya, one of those displaced, recounted their ordeal.

‘UWA officials attacked us at night, destroyed our crops, beat us, and demolished everything. For 11 years we’ve lived like refugees in our own motherland. Families have broken apart,’ he said. Museveni expressed dismay over reports of brutality during the eviction.

‘Why beat people instead of arresting them? We will find out who is responsible. We are tired of lazy officers who don’t investigate properly,’ he said.

Corruption in Kween

Turning to corruption, the President vowed to send auditors to investigate the alleged theft of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds and other government resources in Kween District.

‘I will send auditors to investigate the stolen PDM money and other issues. The fight against corruption should be led by our elected leaders. That’s why we introduced the LC system,’ Museveni said.

Cattle compensation, development

On cattle losses suffered during past insurgencies and cattle rustling, the President assured affected families of compensation but warned against false claims.

‘We know which areas were affected. We don’t want lies,’ he said.

The President also highlighted his government’s achievements in infrastructure, health, and population growth.

He further pledged to establish a public university in the Sebei Sub-region, aligning with NRM’s policy of one public university per former independence district.

With the unpredictable weather patterns in West Nile caused by the effects of climate change, reliance on rainfall for agricultural production is no longer sustainable if farmers are to achieve increased yields. In the past, farmers could easily predict the onset of rainy seasons.

However, this is no longer the case, as the region now experiences erratic rainfall, sometimes excessive, sometimes scarce, leading to prolonged droughts.

Traditionally, West Nile would receive its first rains in March, signalling the start of the planting season, however, this pattern has since changed.

Moyo District, in particular, has suffered extended dry spells from mid-December to April, a trend seen across the sub-region. These challenges are compounded by high poverty levels among farmers, many of whom cannot afford modern irrigation technologies.

The dependence on rainfall has left them vulnerable to crop failure, reduced yields, and growing food insecurity. As a result, farmers in West Nile are being encouraged to prioritise water management for agricultural production.

In Moyo District, Ms Anzoa Clara Ayaa, the Executive Director of Anzoa Fixed Farm, emphasised the importance of effective water management in ensuring food security, improving crop yields, and fostering economic stability in a region heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture.

She said farmers should be supported to adopt affordable technologies such as solar-powered irrigation, rainwater harvesting tanks, and community-owned water systems.

Mr Innocent Ocaatre, the project coordinator at St Martin Comboni Missionaries in Palorinya Sub-county, underscored the importance of irrigation, explaining that it allows continuous vegetable production throughout the year.

‘With irrigation, crops can be grown without interruption year-round. In addition, greenhouses are critical in areas where open-field vegetable growing is not feasible,’ he explained.

He also urged farmers to embrace and apply the new technologies demonstrated at model farms.

Persistent challenges

Mr Ivan Iya, the field agronomist at Loluwesi Smart Farm in Toloro South Village, Vura Parish, Moyo District, said farmers continue to face challenges such as pests, diseases, and limited access to affordable credit.

‘We have a big problem, some Saccos charge high interest rates, making it difficult for farmers to purchase water-harvesting and irrigation kits,’ he said, appealing to commercial banks to extend agricultural loans to the region.

‘There are potential farmers here who could thrive with access to financial support,’ he added. Moyo District Production Officer, Dr Christopher Dratele, explained that the district trains farmers across different categories, from those outside the money economy to those engaged in value addition and export.

However, he said most farmers remain dependent on rain-fed agriculture.

Looking ahead

Mr Muddy Oyikuru, the project officer at the Agency for Community Empowerment, reported that the organisation has so far trained 1,388 farmers. He emphasised the need to introduce value-chain crops in the region through partnerships with other organisations.

The Judiciary has warned Chief Magistrates handling Local Council election petitions against recounting ballot boxes whose seals are broken or tampered with, saying such actions compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

With less than two months to the 2026 general elections, the caution comes amid growing fears of disputes and interference in vote recounts.

Supreme Court Justice Lillian Tibatemwa told magistrates during a training session in Kampala that recounts must strictly follow Section 74(2) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which requires the process to be personally conducted and supervised by the Chief Magistrate.

‘Where seals on a ballot box are discovered to be broken, missing, or altered, the recount cannot proceed,’ Justice Tibatemwa said on Wednesday.

‘The integrity of the ballot box is central to verifying the true will of the voters. Once the seal is broken or the box tampered with, the results inside cannot be relied upon,’ she added.

Justice Tibatemwa emphasized that recounts must be conducted in the presence of candidates, their agents, the returning officer, and Electoral Commission officials, and that only one ballot box should be opened at a time.

Justice Tibatemwa explained that after examining each ballot paper, the Chief Magistrate must record the findings and issue a sealed certificate of recount to the returning officer.

‘A recount does not automatically overturn results,’ she added, noting that where the outcome remains unchanged, the candidate who requested the recount may be directed to pay costs.

The Judiciary also raised concerns about the durability of plastic seals used by the Electoral Commission, saying their fragility often leads to breakages during transport, which fuels suspicion among candidates.

During the training organized by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), Justice Phillip Odoki urged magistrates to remain steadfast and impartial despite the intense political pressure expected during the election season.

‘Pressure will come from all directions. The stakes are extremely high,’ Justice Odoki warned. ‘Imagine a candidate who has sold all his property to contest an election, and you, as Chief Magistrate, must decide whether he wins or loses. You will get calls from relatives, peers, and sometimes even superiors, all trying to influence your decision.’

He cautioned that election petitions are emotionally charged and may even pose security risks for judicial officers.

Justice Andrew Khaukha, the Executive Director of JTI, said the Judiciary expects an increase in petitions as the country moves toward the 2026 polls.

‘During and after elections, disputes usually arise. One candidate may claim their votes were more or less by a margin, prompting a recount before the Chief Magistrate,’ Justice Khaukha said.

He added that growing public awareness of electoral laws is likely to increase the number of petitions this time.

Uganda will hold its General Election on January 15, 2026.

While attending a regional training on ethical and responsible AI in Sub-Saharan Africa, I was drawn to reflect deeply on this question. The training aimed to enhance understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the lenses of ethics, responsibility, and real-world applications, particularly in health.

It emphasised that ethical AI ensures systems are designed and deployed in accordance with social values such as fairness, justice, transparency, and non-discrimination values that promote equitable and responsible outcomes. However, it also became clear that AI systems should not merely claim to represent these principles; they must actively demonstrate them in how they operate and impact society.

This realisation prompted a deeper reflection: has Uganda, as a nation, defined the ethical and moral foundations that should guide AI development and use within its unique social and cultural context? Ethics are essentially the moral principles that guide human behaviour and are often reflected in the laws, norms, and expectations of society. If Uganda is to benefit fully from AI, we must define a local ethical framework rooted in our cultural values of fairness, community, inclusivity, and human dignity.

Without this, AI applications risk importing biases from foreign systems, leading to inequitable or even harmful outcomes. For example, an AI healthcare model trained on data from Western populations may misdiagnose diseases or recommend ineffective treatments for Ugandan patients due to genetic, environmental, or infrastructural differences.

Ethical AI, therefore, must not be imported, it must be contextual, practical, and human-centered. One of the most powerful lessons from the training was the principle of protecting human autonomy. AI should never undermine human control or replace human judgment. Instead, it should supplement human intelligence and decision-making capacity.

I often relate this to the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in football. VAR uses AI-assisted technology to help referees make better decisions, but it does not replace them. The final judgment always rests with the human referee. Similarly, in every domain where AI operates whether in education, governance, or health, the human element must remain central. Humans must validate AI outputs, correct errors, and ensure technology operates within ethical and moral boundaries.

Without human oversight, AI risks becoming an unmonitored system that makes decisions without empathy or accountability. This leads to another key dimension: AI must prioritise human well-being, safety, and the public interest. The purpose of AI should never be to cause harm or to devalue human dignity. Instead, AI should enhance lives by improving efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of services while protecting users from discrimination, stigmatisation, and data exploitation.

The true measure of progress lies not in how intelligent machines become, but in how responsibly and equitably they serve the people. Equally important is the concept of responsibility and accountability. AI systems do not exist in isolation, they are created, trained, and managed by humans. This means accountability should be clearly defined at every stage of their lifecycle.

Developers, policymakers, and users must all understand what the system can and cannot do, under what conditions it operates, and what mechanisms exist to detect and correct its errors. When AI causes harm, there must be clarity on who bears responsibility, the developer, the institution, or the user.

Without such mechanisms, AI can become a ‘black box,’ making life-altering decisions that cannot be explained or challenged. Transparency is, therefore, crucial. Developers should disclose data sources, model limitations, and decision-making criteria. Regular audits and human supervision should be embedded into AI systems to ensure accountability is not an afterthought but a core design feature. While AI’s potential is immense, it is vital to recognise its limits. AI is not a magic solution that can automatically fix all societal problems.

It functions within the boundaries of its design, training data, and human instruction. Over-reliance on AI without critical evaluation can lead to unintended consequences. Therefore, AI should be viewed as a partner in human progress, a tool that extends human capacity rather than replaces it. Uganda must adopt a balanced approach: embracing the opportunities that AI presents while critically managing its risks.

This involves developing national policies that regulate AI’s use, encourage ethical innovation, and promote inclusivity. It also calls for investment in local research and training to ensure Ugandan experts can design systems that reflect our social realities and needs. Collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector is essential to build an AI ecosystem that is both innovative and responsible.

Nine supporters of the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) have been further remanded to Lira Central Prison after failing to present substantial sureties before the Magistrate’s Court in Lira on Wednesday.

The group is among 12 people charged with malicious damage to property and robbery, following their arrest during a campaign trail in Alebtong District late last month.

Those facing charges include Precious Paul Ssembusi, Isma Bukenya, Liberty Lekuru, Mastulah Nakabuye, Laston Waisua, Hope Nasozi, Kagawa Saluman, Regan Kamulegeye, Steven Katamba, Aloysious Lubega, Jamacidi Twaha Kavuma and Muzambiru Ggaayi.

Police arrested 15 NUP supporters on October 29, 2025, during a campaign event attended by NUP presidential flag-bearer Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, who was touring Lango Sub-region to mobilise support ahead of the 2026 elections.

Seven of those arrested were released on police bond, while 10 were arraigned before court on October 30 and remanded to Lira Central Prison until November 12.

The group appeared in court this week before Senior Principal Magistrate Jane Tibagonzeka, joined by two additional suspects recently arrested several hundred kilometres away in Mbarara City.

Court records show that three of the original 10 – Steven Katamba, Aloysious Lubega and Precious Paul Ssembusi – were released on bail after presenting substantial sureties. The remaining seven, together with the two newcomers, were remanded until November 24, 2025.

Prosecution alleges that on October 28, 2025, at Obot Village in Barr Sub-county along the Lira-Alebtong Road, the accused willfully and unlawfully damaged and robbed the occupants of a police vehicle.

The items allegedly stolen include a laptop computer, a bag of clothes, and 20 litres of diesel fuel, with a total estimated value of Shs1.89 million.

The damaged vehicle, registration number UP 4816, was said to have been operating under cover using another number plate, UBK 380Q.

The case comes amid heightened political activity across northern Uganda as opposition figures continue to mobilise ahead of next year’s general elections.

The accused remain in custody as the prosecution continues investigations into the alleged offences.

For many of us, the simple act of boiling an egg is a culinary gamble. Despite the tricks; timing the boil, shocking them in ice water, adding baking soda, achieving a consistent, perfect result is harder than it seems. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to consider a dedicated egg cooker. This often-overlooked appliance is a true workhorse that does far more than its name implies. After extensively using one, I can confidently say an egg cooker is one of the most surprisingly useful gadgets in my kitchen.

The ultimate in effortless cooking

The primary appeal of any good egg cooker is its foolproof “set-it-and-forget-it” design. The process is universally simple; add a specific amount of water (usually measured with a provided cup for your desired doneness), place the eggs, and press a button. The machine handles the rest. An auto-shutoff feature ensures eggs are never overcooked, and an audible alert tells you when they are ready. This means you can walk away and focus on other things without worrying about monitoring a pot on the stove. It is perfect for busy mornings or when you are multitasking in the kitchen.

Surprising versatility

While the promise of perfect hard- and soft-boiled eggs is reason enough to buy one, the real value of an egg cooker lies in its versatility. Most models come with a suite of accessories that unlock a wide range of easy meals. With the included trays and bowls, you can typically:

Poach eggs to perfection without the mess of swirling water.

Make individual omelets that steam to a light, fluffy texture.

Whip up scrambled eggs right in a dedicated container.

Steam vegetables for a healthy side dish.

Many advanced models even feature double-tiered cooking, allowing you to steam vegetables while simultaneously poaching eggs, and making a complete meal effortlessly.

A solution for any kitchen

Worried about counter space? Most egg cookers are designed with a small footprint, and their sleek, modern designs are far from an eyesore. Furthermore, clean-up is typically very easy, as all the non-electric components are almost always dishwasher safe. This alleviates the concern of it being just another clunky, hard-to-clean gadget.

An egg cooker is ideal for:

Busy individuals and families who need quick, healthy breakfasts.

Meal preppers looking to cook a large batch of perfect hard-boiled eggs.

Anyone who finds stovetop egg cooking intimidating or inconsistent.

Home cooks who want to expand their easy, quick-cook options without using multiple pans.

When you purchase one, look for a model that includes a poaching tray, an omelet bowl, and a measuring cup. A manufacturer’s warranty is also a plus.

An egg cooker transcends its simple name. It is a versatile, reliable, and incredibly convenient appliance that takes the guesswork out of cooking eggs and more. Most egg cooker cost in the range of Shs56,386 for basic models and Shs150,000, which is a small investment that pays off daily in perfectly cooked food and saved time.

When you ask most investment experts which companies are worth buying on Uganda’s stock market, MTN almost always makes the list.

MTN entered Uganda with a simple belief: everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life, after seeing potential in bridging the gap between those with and without access to digital and financial services.

Its major turning point, however, came in December 2021, when it listed 22.4 billion shares on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE), becoming the largest public share sale in Uganda’s history, from which it raised Shs535b from more than 20,000 local investors.

This reduced MTN Group’s ownership from 96 to 83.05 percent.

During the Initial Public Offer (IPO), each share sold for Shs200, but only 12.97 percent of the planned 20 percent was taken up.

To fill the gap, MTN launched a second offer in May 2024, pricing shares at Shs170 each.

Investor demand surged, subscriptions hit 230 percent, one of the highest ever on the USE.

By October 2025, MTN’s share price was around Shs294, a gain of 47 percent for IPO buyers and over 70 percent for those who joined in 2024. The steady rise reflects confidence in its future.

The listing raised more than capital; it reshaped Uganda’s investment culture and gave ordinary Ugandans a chance to own part of one of the country’s biggest companies.

Why investors trust MTN

When MTN entered Uganda in 1998, the country had only 6,000 mobile phone users. By mid-2025, that number had risen to about 44.3 million, according to Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

The growth illustrates how mobile technology has transformed Uganda, though many people still lack access to smartphones and affordable digital services.

Thus, to understand why investors remain loyal to MTN, you must look beyond the share price to its financial discipline.

Early this year, MTN and Stanbic were hit with one-off tax bills after a URA audit. MTN paid Shs110.9b, which cut its half-year profit by 9.7 percent to Shs267b.

Yet, the telecom’s fundamentals remained firm, with a return on equity above 58 percent, meaning MTN earns more than half a shilling for every shilling invested.

That efficiency has made it one of Uganda’s most reliable blue-chip stocks. Financial consultant Gitta Expeditto says MTN’s biggest attraction is not its share price but its dividends.

‘MTN is a dividend-growth company; it increases what it pays shareholders every time,’ he says.

MTN’s cash flow has grown by about 20 percent annually, enabling it to pay dividends three times a year, something rare among Ugandan companies.

It also maintains a solid net profit margin of nearly 20 percent, meaning that for every Shs1,000 earned, about Shs200 remains as profit.

With more than 20 million active customers, MTN continues to generate stable growth.

Even after dividend payouts, it reinvests returns at between 13 and 20 percent, levels higher than most telecoms in developed markets.

A reliable dividend machine

MTN’s dividend policy is central to its appeal. In the last three quarters, it has paid out about 95 percent of its profits as dividends, compared to its usual 79-85 percent.

‘MTN increases its payouts every year,’ Gitta notes. ‘Investors earn returns that beat inflation and enjoy steady cash flow.’

For those who bought shares at Shs170 during the 2024 offer, the dividend yield now exceeds 14 percent, an unusually high return on the USE.

Numbers behind the confidence

MTN’s digital transformation, expanding data and fintech services, has boosted its earnings per share and overall market capitalisation.

Its price-to-book ratio of 5.2x shows that the market values MTN at more than five times its asset value, reflecting its strong brand, loyal customers, and market dominance.

Meanwhile, its price-to-earnings ratio of 10.8x means investors buying at Shs294 are paying about 10 times the company’s profit per share of Shs27.4.

Analysts say investors value consistency in dividend payments, a trait MTN shares with other strong performers like Bank of Baroda and Stanbic.

While MTN’s shares are priced higher than most, much of its worth lies in intangible assets, brand reputation, trust, and scale.

These strengths make investors willing to pay a premium, confident that MTN will continue connecting Uganda and rewarding those who believe in its story.

Uganda’s young environmentalists are stepping up efforts to redefine how the country handles waste, turning garbage into green gold through innovation, while supporting national efforts to cut carbon emissions under the Paris Agreement.

From plastic repurposing to composting, bioenergy, and circular economy hubs, the youth are increasingly becoming central players in climate action, a move that government officials and climate experts say is critical if Uganda is to achieve its new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets by 2030.

During the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Youth Stakeholder High-Level Event held in Kampala, Mr Emmanuel Teywa, a climate change officer from the Ministry of Water and Environment, said youth involvement is vital to the success of the country’s updated NDC 3.0, currently being formulated.

‘The youth are key drivers in implementing the NDCs because of their innovation, energy, and ability to scale up solutions,’ Teywa said, adding that Uganda’s NDC 3.0 aims to reduce emissions by 24.7 percent, equivalent to 36.88 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, by 2030.

The waste sector, though contributing a smaller portion of emissions, remains a growing concern due to urbanisation and limited recycling capacity.

‘The emissions from waste are increasing, and this calls for new measures, especially circular economy approaches such as recycling, reusing, and rethinking how we manage materials,’ he said.

As experts, Mr Tenywa said they have seen progress in the energy and agriculture sectors, but the waste sector still lags behind and as a fast-urbanising country, we must ensure that waste becomes an opportunity, not a problem.

‘We want to see youth innovations move from ideas to tangible projects that can be scaled across the country,’ he said.

Mr George Luganda, the climate lead at Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO), said youth participation in climate governance is no longer optional, it’s essential for sustainability.

‘As young people, we want to be at the centre of Uganda’s climate solutions and through the waste sector, we can turn plastic and other waste into useful products that provide employment and reduce emissions,’ he said.

According to Luganda, their contribution to the NDCs is through rethinking, reusing, and redesigning waste, making it part of a sustainable circular economy.

He added that the Youth Climate Council, recently established under the Ministry of Water and Environment, aims to serve as a one-stop coordination centre for young people working in climate-related sectors.

‘For long, youth efforts have been disjointed and underreported but we have hope that this council will harmonise youth initiatives and provide a monitoring and reporting tool that tracks real contributions to emission reductions,’ he said.

Mr Dean Tashobya, Uganda’s Chapter lead at the Africa Circular Economy Network, said waste should no longer be seen as a nuisance, but as a valuable resource that can drive green growth.

‘Circular economy means keeping resources at their highest value where there is no waste. Whatever remains from one process becomes a resource for another. It’s about closing the loop and regenerating our natural systems,’ he said.

He cited markets such as Nakawa and Nakasero, where large volumes of organic waste could be converted into animal feeds, compost, or bio-products instead of ending up in landfills such as Kiteezi, which pose health and environmental risks.

‘If that waste is turned into value like bioplastics, fuel briquettes, or black soldier fly farming we not only create jobs for the youth but also cut emissions significantly,’ he added.

Tashobya said partnerships across the value chain from farmers to recyclers and innovators are key to sustaining a circular economy.

‘You cannot work in silos and succeed, we need cooperation between markets, transporters, and waste processors to make sure waste becomes wealth,’ he said.

According to the 2024 Uganda National Census, 70 percent of Uganda’s population is under 30 years old, making youth inclusion central to the country’s climate strategy.

Experts agree that empowering this demographic through technology, financing, and skills development could unlock vast potential for green jobs and innovation.

Mr Luganda said Uganda’s biggest resource is its young people and turning waste into economic value through innovation and recycling can provide jobs, reduce pollution, and help the country meet its climate commitments.

‘Our progress depends on everyone, government, civil society, and especially young innovators, together, we can make waste management a pillar of climate resilience and sustainable development,’ he said.

Mr Luganda added that across Uganda, a quiet revolution is taking shape led not by policy papers alone, but by young people collecting plastic bottles, inventing eco-friendly products, and proving that sustainability and enterprise can coexist.

‘As the world moves toward COP30, Uganda’s youth are not just demanding a seat at the table they’re building it, piece by piece, from recycled wood, plastic, and purpose,’ he said.

key facts

What is NDC 3.0?

The Nationally Determined Contributions represent Uganda’s national action plan under the Paris Agreement, detailing how the country will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts.

The third update NDC 3.0 is currently under development and will guide Uganda’s climate action through 2030.

Key targets

Cut emissions by 24.7 percent (about 36.8 million tonnes of CO2) by 2030. Strengthen resilience in key sectors: energy, agriculture, forestry, and waste management.

Promote gender-responsive and technology-driven climate solutions. Expand green financing and build capacity for youth-led innovations.

How youth contribute

Innovation and technology: Developing recycling apps, waste-to-energy start-ups, and low-carbon designs.

Circular economy projects: Turning plastics, food waste, and e-waste into new products and income sources. Community awareness: Mobilising schools and local communities on waste segregation and tree planting.

A police investigator testifying in the murder trial of businessman Henry Katanga on November 11 told the court that evidence from the scene and the nature of the gunshot wounds did not support claims that the deceased took his own life, contradicting the version initially presented by members of the family.

Detective Sergeant David Beteise, attached to the Jinja Road Police Division and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), said he was part of the team that responded to a report of an alleged suicide at the businessman’s home in Mbuya on November 2, 2023.

‘My key role in the homicide desk is to investigate criminal cases which are reported and allocated to me,’ Detective Beteise said, adding that he has served in the police for 13 years, with extensive experience in handling homicide cases.

He said on arrival at the scene, the team comprising himself, Detective ASP Bibiana Akongo and other officers was briefed by Detective Ogwanga, who had first been called. They were led into the house by Patricia and George Amanyire, before Charles Otai, who introduced himself as the family doctor, unlocked the master bedroom.

‘Upon entering, I saw the body of a male adult lying on a mattress placed on the ground and covered with a cloth. On the bed were a pistol, a cartridge, ammunition, and a projectile,’ Sgt Beteise testified.

He said Amanyire claimed that Martha and Patricia had instructed them to place the pistol and ammunition on the bed, while Otai said Patricia had earlier taken the pistol and he asked her to return it.

Sgt Beteise said they observed an entry wound on the left side of the head and an exit wound on the right, adding: ‘The entry is always small, then the exit wound is always larger.’ He told the court that the team noticed signs of cleaning at the scene.

‘There was a sign of mopping and blood stains on the ceiling. In the bathroom, there was a bucket of water mixed with blood, a mopping rag with blood, and even the toilet had blood,’ he said. ‘We established that the one mopping was Amanyire,’ he added.

Despite the blood traces, Sgt Bateise said, the room appeared otherwise orderly. Investigators also recovered a sales agreement for the house signed only by A1, Molly Katanga, with the space for the deceased’s signature left blank, an issue the team considered significant. ‘Upon looking at the scene, the alleged case of suicide was ruled out,’ he stated.

Defence lawyer Macdusman Kabega objected, arguing that the witness was expressing an opinion. But Assistant DPP Samali Wakooli said the officer’s long experience qualified him to interpret the scene.

Justice Rosette Comfort Kania allowed the testimony to continue. Detective Beteise explained that most suicide gunshot wounds are found in accessible parts like the ear, cheek, or chest, unlike in this case.

‘It is impractical for someone intending to take their life to look for a complicated point,’ he said. He added that the inconsistent statements, the hurried cleaning, and the blood evidence led investigators to treat the death as a homicide, not suicide.

The case was adjourned to November 24 for further hearing.