Uganda’s schools are increasingly turning to specialised financing solutions to manage term-opening expenses, highlighting the growing role of credit and financial inclusion in sustaining education delivery.

As thousands of learners return to classrooms across Uganda this term, a less visible but equally important reopening exercise is unfolding in school finance offices.

While parents focus on tuition fees, uniforms and transport, school administrators are grappling with a recurring challenge that has become one of the defining realities of Uganda’s private education sector: finding enough cash to keep operations running before fees are fully collected.

For many schools, the start of a term brings an immediate wave of expenditure. Teachers’ salaries must be paid, food stocks replenished, utilities settled and learning materials procured, often weeks before a significant proportion of school fees reaches school accounts.

The result is a persistent cash flow mismatch that education sector analysts say continues to constrain investment, service delivery and long-term planning.

“Schools operate in a unique financial cycle,” explains Brian Ddamba, Manager Bridge Finance at Equity Bank Uganda.

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“Schools have predictable revenue streams, but they also face significant upfront expenses every term. Our role is to provide the financial support necessary to bridge that gap, allowing school owners and administrators to focus on delivering quality education rather than worrying about short-term liquidity challenges.”

The challenge is particularly pronounced among privately owned schools, which account for a significant share of Uganda’s secondary and nursery education capacity.

Unlike businesses that receive revenue continuously throughout the month, schools typically rely on termly fee payments that often arrive in instalments. Yet operational costs remain constant and immediate.

Industry players say the financing gap has become even more apparent as schools face rising food prices, utility costs, infrastructure maintenance requirements and growing expectations from parents regarding the quality of learning environments.

Increasingly, financial institutions are positioning themselves to fill this gap through education-focused lending products.

Among them is Equity Bank Uganda, whose School Bridge Financing facility offers unsecured loans of up to UGX500 million to schools seeking working capital during peak expenditure periods.

The financing can be used for operational expenses such as staff salaries, food supplies, scholastic materials, facility maintenance and security upgrades.

Education stakeholders argue that such financing solutions are becoming increasingly important as schools seek to maintain standards while expanding capacity.

Many institutions are investing in classroom blocks, dormitories, digital learning tools and improved security systems to remain competitive in an increasingly crowded education market.

Without access to affordable financing, school proprietors often delay critical investments or divert resources away from long-term development projects to meet immediate operational needs.

Parents face a similar challenge.

For households with multiple school-going children, the beginning of each term can place substantial pressure on family budgets.

School fees, textbooks, uniforms and transport costs frequently coincide with other household obligations, forcing some families to delay payments or seek short-term financing.

To address this demand, financial institutions have also introduced school fees loan products targeted at parents and guardians.

Equity Bank’s education financing package, for example, provides school fees loans of up to Shs5 million per child, enabling families to spread payments over a longer period while ensuring learners return to school on time.

The growing availability of such products reflects a broader recognition that access to education is increasingly linked not only to school infrastructure and teaching quality, but also to financial inclusion.

As Uganda’s education sector expands and competition intensifies, experts believe financing will play a larger role in determining which institutions thrive and which struggle to remain sustainable.

For policymakers, educators and financiers alike, the challenge is no longer simply about getting children into classrooms.

It is increasingly about ensuring that schools themselves have the financial resilience needed to deliver consistent, quality education throughout the academic year.

That conversation is expected to continue on June 23 when education stakeholders gather at Hotel Africana for an engagement on school financing, institutional growth and investment opportunities within the sector.

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Africa’s business aviation industry is set to undergo its most comprehensive assessment yet after the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) launched a major research initiative aimed at generating reliable data on a sector long hampered by limited information and widespread misconceptions.

The study, which has already entered its first phase, seeks to create a detailed picture of business aviation activity across the continent, providing operators, investors, regulators and policymakers with insights into fleet composition, operational trends and the sector’s broader economic impact.

Initial findings are expected to be unveiled at the Aviation Africa conference scheduled for September 9-10 in Nairobi, Kenya.

AfBAA said the multi-phase project is being conducted by independent behavioural economics and strategic marketing consultancy Seefeld Group and is expected to deliver the most comprehensive data-driven assessment of African business aviation undertaken to date.

The initiative comes at a time when business aviation is increasingly recognised as a critical enabler of investment, trade and connectivity in regions where commercial airline networks remain limited or underserved.

According to AfBAA Chairperson Dawit Lemma, the research is intended to provide a factual foundation for investment decisions, industry advocacy and operational planning.

“This type of research is long overdue for our members and those seeking to operate effectively in Africa. We anticipate that the data will provide foundations for smarter investment, create platforms from which to increase advocacy, enhance safety, and enable more resilient operations and business longevity,” Lemma said.

Business aviation in Africa encompasses a broad range of activities beyond private jets, including corporate aircraft, charter operations, helicopters, turboprops and increasingly unmanned aerial vehicles. Despite its growing role in supporting sectors such as mining, energy, humanitarian operations and executive travel, the industry has often lacked reliable continent-wide data.

AfBAA believes the new research will help address that challenge by aggregating and analysing operational information from multiple sources to create a clearer understanding of how business aviation is used and where growth opportunities exist.

“The initiative will aggregate and analyze raw data to avoid bias and negative perception and will contest existing information that is often fragmented, nominally anecdotal, and frequently based on perception, not reality,” Lemma said.

“The holistic approach will look not just at which types of aircraft are flying which routes, but also at what they are doing and how business aviation activity affects economies. This is the type of information members can use to make informed decisions about future operational activity.”

The first phase will focus on fleet analysis, maintenance activity, economic trends and media perceptions of the industry. The resulting database is expected to help AfBAA better understand the sector, strengthen engagement with policymakers and provide greater value to its members.

Charles Porteous, President of Seefeld Group, said the study would help fill one of the largest information gaps in global aviation.

“Africa represents one of the most dynamic yet least understood business aviation markets in the world,” Porteous said.

“Seefeld Group is honoured to be selected to provide AfBAA, operators, and policymakers with credible, data-driven insight that supports better decision-making, stronger advocacy, and long-term sector growth through a deeper understanding of fleet composition, operational activity, and how business aviation is utilized across the continent.”

For Africa’s aviation sector, the initiative could mark an important step toward evidence-based policymaking and investment planning. Reliable industry data has become increasingly valuable as governments seek to improve connectivity, attract investment and integrate emerging aviation technologies such as drones into national transport and logistics ecosystems.

AfBAA said the research forms part of its broader strategy to raise the visibility of business aviation across Africa, strengthen industry representation and build stronger links with global aviation stakeholders.

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What began as a modest backyard tree nursery sustained by watering cans and manual labour has grown into one of northern Uganda’s emerging suppliers of tree seedlings, illustrating how renewable energy is helping small enterprises overcome longstanding productivity constraints.

Located in Boroboro Parish in Lira City, Dopla Tree Nurseries has quadrupled its annual production after adopting solar-powered irrigation, allowing the business to meet rising demand for seedlings used in reforestation, fruit farming and landscaping projects.

Founded in 2019 by entrepreneur Daniel Ocen, the nursery started with limited resources and faced persistent challenges associated with watering thousands of seedlings under northern Uganda’s harsh climatic conditions. Workers often travelled considerable distances to fetch water, while irregular irrigation affected seedling survival rates and restricted the nursery’s growth.

“We relied entirely on manual watering, which was labour-intensive and time-consuming,” Ocen says. “Maintaining healthy seedlings during the dry season was particularly difficult.”

The turning point came in early 2025 when Ocen connected with a field agent from Tulima Solar, which conducted a site assessment and designed a solar-powered irrigation system comprising solar panels, a high-capacity pump and a distribution network that delivers water directly to nursery beds.

The investment was supported through the Results-Based Financing (RBF) Programme implemented by Equity Bank Uganda in partnership with Energising Development (EnDev) Uganda and GIZ. The initiative provides targeted incentives to solar technology suppliers, helping reduce the cost of renewable energy systems for small and medium-sized enterprises and making quality clean-energy solutions more affordable.

Since the installation, the nursery has recorded significant operational improvements. Automated irrigation has reduced dependence on manual labour, enabling workers to focus on seedling management, quality control and other value-adding activities. Plant survival rates and seedling quality have also improved.

The impact on production has been equally striking. Annual output has increased from about 50,000 seedlings to approximately 200,000, while peak-season revenues have grown from around Shs20 million to nearly Shs30 million.

Today, Dopla Tree Nurseries supplies seedlings to non-governmental organisations, institutions and individual farmers involved in environmental restoration, commercial fruit growing and urban landscaping projects.

The business has also evolved into a community training hub. Ocen currently mentors 12 young people and women in nursery management and seedling propagation, equipping them with practical skills that can generate income and support local conservation efforts.

Encouraged by the results, Ocen plans to install additional solar-powered irrigation infrastructure and security lighting as part of the nursery’s next phase of expansion.

Dopla Tree Nurseries demonstrates how improved access to renewable energy can help small enterprises overcome operational constraints, increase productivity and create employment opportunities. As Uganda promotes climate-resilient agriculture and landscape restoration, solar-powered technologies are increasingly emerging as practical tools for businesses seeking to grow while contributing to environmental sustainability.

For northern Uganda, where tree-planting initiatives continue to gain momentum amid concerns about land degradation and climate change, the success of Dopla Tree Nurseries shows how clean energy can simultaneously drive enterprise growth, job creation and ecological restoration.

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Uganda expects to receive the completed first phase of Kabalega International Airport by the end of July, marking a major milestone in the country’s ambitious aviation infrastructure programme.

Speaking at the 53rd Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Board Air Services Licensing Committee meeting in Kampala on Friday, Acting Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya said Phase I of the airport project in Hoima is now 98 percent complete and on track for handover by July 31.

The licensing committee was meeting to consider 15 applications for air service licence applications, comprising five renewals and ten new applications, as Uganda seeks to expand aviation services alongside major investments in airport infrastructure.

“Government is also making significant progress on the development of Kabalega International Airport. Phase I of the project is now 98 percent complete and is expected to be finalised by 31st July 2026,” Lumonya said.

She added that government has already moved to fast-track parts of the second phase in preparation for Uganda’s hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“In preparation for Uganda’s hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, Government has decided to accelerate part of the Phase II works, particularly the construction of the passenger terminal building. The contractor is expected to assume site on 1st July 2026, with completion scheduled for March 2027 to ensure readiness for the tournament,” she said.

The update comes as Uganda intensifies investments in aviation infrastructure aimed at boosting tourism, trade and regional connectivity. Construction of the airport, which forms part of the Kabaale Industrial Park and the head of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), started in 2019, with an envisaged 36 months construction period. But progress was interrupted by the onset of the Covid 19 Pandemic in early 2020, occasioning prolonged delays and cost overruns.

Lumonya revealed that government has embarked on an ambitious programme to upgrade six priority airports across the country, including Kidepo, Arua, Gulu, Kasese, Kisoro and Pakuba.

“I am pleased to report that on 5th June 2026, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda officially commissioned the construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District. This landmark project, valued at over USD 72 million and funded by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the United Arab Emirates, represents a significant milestone in Uganda’s aviation development agenda,” she said.

According to Lumonya, the new airport will be developed to international standards and is expected to transform the Karamoja sub-region.

“Upon completion, Kidepo International Airport will feature a 3.6-kilometre runway, a modern passenger terminal building covering 7,408 square metres, a cargo terminal of 74,200 square metres, and other supporting infrastructure,” she said.

“The project is expected to greatly enhance tourism, trade, investment, and socio-economic development within the Karamoja sub-region and the country at large.”

She also revealed that project preparation for the redevelopment of Arua, Gulu and Kasese airports has been completed and government is mobilising financing for implementation, while Kisoro and Pakuba remain at the project preparation stage.

The Acting Director General said the expansion and modernisation of Entebbe International Airport continues as part of broader efforts to position Uganda as a regional aviation hub.

“In April 2026, Entebbe International Airport handled a total of 189,130 international passengers, comprising 94,320 arrivals and 94,810 departures. This performance reflects the continued recovery and expansion of air travel demand and underscores Uganda’s growing connectivity to regional and international markets,” she said.

Cargo traffic also recorded growth, with exports reaching 3,389 metric tonnes and imports 1,434 metric tonnes during the month.

The Authority also reported progress on other infrastructure projects, including the completion of runway, taxiway and apron upgrades at Jinja Airport and the near completion of terminal modernisation works at Pakuba Airport.

“At Pakuba Airport, modernisation of the terminal building has reached 97 percent completion and is progressing satisfactorily,” Lumonya said.

Beyond infrastructure, UCAA is also reviewing regulations governing air service licensing, competition and consumer protection.

“The revised Civil Aviation Regulations are designed to strengthen Uganda’s aviation sector by ensuring that competent and financially sound operators participate in the market, promoting safety, reliability, and sustainability,” she said.

“They also seek to foster fair competition by creating a level playing field that encourages innovation, efficiency, and investment, while enhancing consumer protection through stronger safeguards for passenger rights, including provisions relating to flight delays, cancellations, baggage handling, refunds, and fare transparency.”

Addressing the same meeting, UCAA Board Chairperson Justice Dr. Steven Kavuma said continued demand for operating licences reflects growing confidence in Uganda’s aviation industry.

“The continued interest by operators in obtaining Air Service Licences is a strong indicator of confidence in Uganda’s aviation sector and its future prospects,” Kavuma said.

He noted that Uganda currently has 25 licensed air operators providing passenger, cargo, flight training, aerial work and private aviation services.

Kavuma said Uganda has significantly expanded its international aviation relationships, signing air services agreements with 64 countries.

“To date, Uganda has concluded Air Services Agreements with sixty-four countries, creating a framework that facilitates international connectivity, trade, tourism, and investment,” he said.

“As a result of these agreements, twenty international airlines currently operate scheduled services to and from Entebbe International Airport, linking Uganda to major destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.”

The UCAA Board Chair also highlighted the growing international reach of Uganda Airlines, describing the national carrier as a strategic asset.

“We are also encouraged by the continued growth of Uganda Airlines, which remains a strategic national asset in advancing Uganda’s connectivity objectives. The airline currently serves fifteen international destinations and has been designated under various bilateral air services arrangements to operate to twenty-three destinations,” he said.

Kavuma urged operators to pursue greater collaboration through commercial partnerships and codeshare arrangements to strengthen Uganda’s position within the global aviation network.

“As the aviation industry continues to evolve, success will increasingly depend on collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships. The Authority therefore encourages licensed operators to explore opportunities for cooperation, including codeshare arrangements, interline agreements, and other commercial partnerships that can enhance connectivity, improve operational efficiencies, and increase passenger and cargo traffic,” he said.

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When Uganda Airlines signed an agreement this week to acquire 10 additional Boeing aircraft worth approximately USD 1 billion, the reaction was predictable.

Critics questioned the wisdom of investing such a large sum in an airline that remains loss-making and dependent on government support. Supporters pointed to the long-term economic benefits of a stronger national carrier.

Both sides raise valid concerns. Yet viewed through the lens of airline economics rather than short-term politics, the decision may represent the most important step yet in transforming Uganda Airlines from a startup carrier into a sustainable aviation business.

The fundamental challenge facing Uganda Airlines since its relaunch in 2019 has not simply been management or market competition. It has been scale.

For nearly seven years, the airline has attempted to build a regional and international network with a fleet that remained largely unchanged. The carrier currently operates four CRJ900 regional jets, two Airbus A330-800neo widebodies, and more recently, supplemented  by wet-leased Boeing 737-800 aircraft to ease capacity constraints.

While that fleet was sufficient to restart operations, it was never large enough to support the ambitious network envisioned for the national carrier.

Airlines derive their strength from network effects. More aircraft create more frequencies, more destinations, better connectivity and greater resilience when disruptions occur. A small fleet leaves little room for growth and even less room for error.

Industry analysts often note that airlines begin to achieve meaningful economies of scale only after reaching a critical fleet size. Although there is no universally accepted threshold, a fleet of around 12 aircraft is often regarded as the minimum size at which a carrier can build operational flexibility, improve aircraft utilisation and spread fixed costs across a larger network.

Assuming no retirements, Uganda Airlines would grow from six owned aircraft to a fleet of 16 following the planned deliveries. That would place the carrier comfortably above the threshold that many small airlines struggle for years to reach.

More importantly, the composition of the fleet appears designed around flexibility.

The existing CRJ900 fleet remains ideal for thinner regional routes where demand does not justify larger aircraft. Their relatively small capacity allows the airline to serve destinations that would otherwise be uneconomical or to drive frequency.

The addition of four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft creates a much-needed middle layer. These aircraft offer significantly greater range and capacity than the CRJs while remaining economical enough for high-density African routes, Middle Eastern destinations and emerging markets where passenger volumes are growing. Boeing’s own marketing positions the MAX family as particularly suited for medium-haul operations where fuel efficiency and operating economics are critical.

At the top end of the network sit the widebody aircraft.

Uganda Airlines already operates two Airbus A330-800neos, which have enabled the launch of long-haul services to destinations such as London. The planned addition of four Boeing Dreamliners would significantly strengthen long-haul capability and reduce dependence on a very small widebody fleet. Recent operational disruptions demonstrated the risks associated with relying on only two intercontinental aircraft. When one aircraft is unavailable, schedules quickly come under pressure.

The fleet expansion also introduces a cargo dimension. The Boeing agreement includes dedicated freighter aircraft, opening opportunities in air cargo, a segment that has become increasingly important for African airlines seeking diversified revenue streams.

For Uganda, the implications extend beyond aviation. A larger and more reliable national carrier supports tourism, trade, exports and investment. Government has repeatedly argued that stronger air connectivity is essential if Uganda is to position itself as a regional business and logistics hub. Fred Byamukama, the minister for Works and Transport, described the fleet acquisition as a move intended to strengthen trade, tourism and investment while enhancing Uganda’s role within regional aviation.

But the risks should not be ignored. Aircraft do not guarantee profitability. Poor governance, political interference, weak route planning and inefficient management can quickly erode the benefits of even the most modern fleet.

Yet the opposite is equally true. Without sufficient aircraft, Uganda Airlines was unlikely ever to achieve the scale required for long-term sustainability.

The debate therefore should not be whether the airline expands. The more important question is whether Uganda can provide the leadership, accountability and commercial discipline necessary to turn a larger fleet into a profitable business.

After years of operating below its intended scale, Uganda Airlines has finally chosen growth. The challenge now is ensuring that growth is managed wisely.

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As football fans across Uganda settle into a month of FIFA World Cup action, attention is increasingly turning to the local bars, pubs and entertainment venues that serve as gathering points for millions of supporters following the tournament.

Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) says these venues are not only social spaces for fans to watch matches together but also important contributors to local economies, supporting a wide network of businesses and livelihoods during one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

The brewer has used the tournament to launch its nationwide “Cheers to Bars” campaign, an initiative aimed at celebrating the role bars play in bringing communities together while boosting economic activity across the hospitality sector.

Speaking during the campaign launch in Jinja, NBL Managing Director Nkanyiso Mncwabe said the impact of local bars extends far beyond serving drinks during major sporting events.

“Bars have always been more than places to grab a drink. They are where people meet, celebrate, watch football, enjoy music and create memories. During the World Cup, that role becomes even more powerful because local bars allow fans to feel the energy of the game together, even when they are far from the stadiums. Through Cheers to Bars, we are celebrating the local bars that bring communities together while supporting jobs, trade and livelihoods across the country,” Mncwabe said.

The campaign comes as Uganda’s hospitality industry continues to recover and expand, with sporting events increasingly becoming major drivers of customer traffic for bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.

According to NBL, bars occupy a strategic position within a broader value chain that includes distributors, food vendors, transport operators, entertainers and agricultural producers.

“When local bars do well, the benefit goes beyond the bar counter. It reaches employees, suppliers, food vendors, transporters, entertainers, farmers and many others connected to the beer and hospitality value chain. That is why we see bars as part of a wider ecosystem that supports communities and local economies,” Mncwabe added.

Industry players note that major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup often generate a surge in business activity as fans seek communal viewing experiences that cannot easily be replicated at home.

The brewer says the Cheers to Bars initiative seeks to recognise this contribution while creating opportunities for fans to engage with the tournament in a responsible and enjoyable environment.

“Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and during the FIFA World Cup, local bars will become places where fans connect, celebrate and share unforgettable moments. Through Cheers to Bars, we are celebrating the bar owners, staff and communities who make these experiences possible, while recognising the important role bars play in supporting local livelihoods and Uganda’s hospitality economy,” Mncwabe said.

The World Cup campaign is being driven through Nile Special, the official beer sponsor of the FIFA World Cup in Uganda under parent company AB InBev’s global sponsorship arrangement.

Alongside watch parties that will be held across the country, the brewer has introduced a score predictor promotion intended to keep consumers actively engaged throughout the tournament.

Nile Special Brand Manager Eric Malinga said the initiative is designed to transform football viewing into a more interactive experience.

“With the watch parties and score predictor mechanic, we want fans to do more than simply watch the football. We want them to participate, predict, celebrate and feel actively involved in every match throughout the tournament. The FIFA World Cup is driven by emotion, debate, excitement and shared fan experiences. Through Nile Special, we are creating experiences that bring that energy closer to Ugandan fans while rewarding them throughout the tournament period,” Malinga said.

Consumers purchasing Nile Special can find a unique code beneath the bottle crown, dial 14426#, and predict match scores for a chance to win prizes linked to the tournament.

As the World Cup runs through July, NBL says it will continue hosting fan experiences across Uganda while using the campaign to highlight the contribution of bars and hospitality businesses to local economic activity.

For many venue owners, the tournament represents more than a football spectacle. It is also a peak trading period that brings customers through their doors, creates work opportunities and strengthens the networks of suppliers and service providers that depend on Uganda’s hospitality sector.

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Uganda has unveiled a UGX 84.4 trillion spending plan for fiscal 2026/27, betting heavily on agriculture, infrastructure, industrialisation and wealth-creation programmes as the government pursues an ambitious plan to transform the economy into a USD500 billion powerhouse by 2040.

Presenting his first budget as Finance Minister, Henry Musasizi outlined a spending plan anchored on the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy and a theme focused on the “full monetisation” of the economy through commercial agriculture, industrialisation, services, digital transformation and improved market access.

The budget comes at a pivotal moment for Uganda. Economic growth is estimated at 6.4 percent for the current financial year, with the economy projected to reach USD69.3 billion by June 2026. Government expects growth to accelerate further as oil production nears, exports expand and investments in productive sectors begin to yield stronger returns.

At the heart of the new budget is a significant shift toward sectors expected to generate exports, jobs and household incomes.

Agriculture, long described as the backbone of the economy, received one of the largest boosts. Government allocated UGX2.26 trillion to agro-industrialisation, the highest level of funding the sector has received, targeting agricultural research, irrigation, extension services, agro-processing and market access.

The tourism sector will receive more than UGX567 billion to support destination marketing, tourism infrastructure, conservation and hospitality development as Uganda seeks to increase foreign exchange earnings and attract more visitors.

Science, technology and innovation programmes have also been prioritised, receiving more than Shs1 trillion to support innovation, digitisation and business process outsourcing. Mineral development, including oil and gas activities, will receive additional funding as the country prepares for first oil.

Infrastructure remains another major beneficiary. Government has allocated approximately UGX10.8 trillion for roads, railways, electricity, water and transport projects. The allocation reflects Kampala’s continued belief that infrastructure investment is essential for lowering the cost of doing business and supporting industrial growth.

Meanwhile, wealth creation programmes such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga and youth-focused initiatives will receive about UGX2.5 trillion, reinforcing President Yoweri Museveni’s long-standing emphasis on moving households from subsistence production into the money economy.

The budget also provides for increased public sector salaries, with the government raising the wage bill to Shs9.7 trillion and continuing phased salary enhancements for teachers and other public servants.

Yet beneath the optimism lies a persistent fiscal challenge.

Uganda’s public debt stood at approximately UGX126 trillion (USD34.86 billion) as of December 2025, equivalent to about 53 percent of GDP. While government maintains that the debt remains sustainable, debt servicing continues to consume about 40 percent of the budget.

Parliament’s Budget Committee estimates that debt obligations will absorb more than UGX33 trillion during the financial year, making debt servicing the single largest expenditure item in the national budget.

This reality highlights the balancing act facing policymakers. While the budget directs resources toward productive sectors expected to drive future growth, the pressure of debt repayments limits the government’s fiscal space and its ability to expand spending in areas such as health, education and social protection.

For businesses, however, the budget sends a clear signal. Government is prioritising sectors capable of generating exports, attracting investment and creating jobs. Agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, technology and energy are expected to remain at the centre of Uganda’s economic strategy over the coming years.

Whether the Shs84.4 trillion spending plan succeeds will ultimately depend not only on allocations but also on implementation. Uganda has no shortage of ambitious plans. The challenge, as always, will be translating budget promises into measurable economic outcomes for households and businesses across the country.

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Every day, millions of Ugandan households light charcoal stoves and firewood fires to prepare meals. The practice is deeply embedded in daily life, but it comes at a cost. Families spend significant portions of their income on fuel, forests continue to shrink under pressure from charcoal production, and indoor air pollution remains a persistent health concern.

Changing that reality has long proven difficult. While cleaner and more efficient cooking technologies exist, the upfront cost has often placed them beyond the reach of many households.

Now, a combination of innovation and Results-Based Financing (RBF) is helping bridge that gap.

At the centre of that effort is Detra Energy and Environmental Contractors Limited, a Ugandan company that is expanding access to affordable clean cooking technologies while supporting the country’s broader energy transition goals.

Founded in 2022, Detra Energy and Environmental Contractors Limited was established with a vision of providing practical solutions that improve lives while protecting the environment. The company operates across renewable energy, waste management, water and sanitation, environmental compliance, eco-friendly construction, and capacity building.

Among its fastest-growing interventions is clean cooking, an area where the company sees both strong consumer demand and significant environmental benefits.

Its portfolio includes electric pressure cookers and advanced charcoal-saving cookstoves such as the Digiwave Electric Pressure Cooker series, Biolite Jiko Safi, Biolite Jiko Malkia, Ecoa Char Grill, Ecoa Char Plus, Ecoa Char Pro and Ecoa Char Classic. The technologies are designed to reduce fuel consumption while improving cooking efficiency and convenience.

For consumers like Jian Namuhenge, the impact has been immediate.

A customer using the Detra Energy-saving cook stove to prepare beans

For years, she spent nearly Shs 80,000 every month on charcoal using a traditional stove. Today, the same amount of charcoal lasts almost three months.

“With the traditional stove, I used to buy a sack of charcoal at about Shs 80,000, and it would last only one month,” Namuhenge says. “But with the eco-stove, the same sack can last up to three months.”

The savings have transformed household spending.

“I am now able to save money and use it for other family needs. The stove is easy to light and has a fan that keeps the fire burning. It feels almost like cooking on gas because I can control the heat.”

Yet despite such benefits, affordability remained a major challenge for many prospective users.

That changed in 2024 when Detra Energy partnered with Equity Bank Uganda and EnDev GIZ under a Results-Based Financing programme designed to accelerate access to clean cooking technologies.

The programme introduced incentives that significantly lowered purchase prices, making energy-efficient stoves accessible to a much wider segment of the population.

Products that previously retailed for around UGX 140,000 became available at substantially reduced prices. Households in refugee and host communities could purchase the stoves for UGX 70,000, while other consumers accessed them for as little as UGX 60,000.

For many families, the subsidy made the difference between admiring the technology and actually acquiring it.

“Many Ugandans want solar systems, clean cook stoves, and renewable energy solutions, but the initial costs remain too high for households and small businesses. As Equity Bank, we are enabling communities to access these technologies through results-based financing,” says Virginia Semakula, Equity Bank Energy, Environment and Climate Change Pillar Head.

According to David Ucha, Director of Detra Energy and Environmental Contractors Limited, the programme has played a pivotal role in accelerating both adoption and business growth.

“Even though we had only been operating in the clean cooking sector for a few years, Equity Bank Uganda and GIZ trusted us as a partner,” Ucha says.

“The partnership enabled us to reach people who could not previously afford these technologies. It has helped us penetrate the market, build credibility, and position ourselves for future growth.”

David Ucha showcasing some of the eco-stoves that Detra Energy and Environmental Contractors offers

The benefits extend beyond household budgets.

According to Ucha, the stoves use significantly less charcoal than conventional alternatives while producing less smoke and managing ash more effectively. Cleaner kitchens, healthier living environments and lower fuel consumption are among the immediate advantages.

At a national level, widespread adoption could help ease pressure on Uganda’s forests, which continue to face growing demand for charcoal and firewood.

Building on the success of its household products, Detra Energy is now targeting larger consumers through institutional cooking solutions.

Among its latest innovations is the Jiko-Kul, a high-capacity pressure cooker developed for schools, hospitals and other institutions. The system combines oil-based heat retention technology with electric coils, enabling food to continue cooking even after power has been switched off.

The innovation addresses a challenge familiar to many Ugandans: unreliable electricity supply. At the same time, it reduces cooking times and lowers energy costs for large-scale users.

Though still a young company, Detra Energy is increasingly demonstrating how strategic partnerships, innovative financing and locally relevant technologies can accelerate access to sustainable energy solutions.

For households, the rewards are measured in lower fuel bills and improved quality of life. For businesses, Results-Based Financing provides a pathway to growth and market expansion. And for Uganda, the spread of clean cooking technologies represents an important step toward environmental conservation, energy access and climate resilience.

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A coalition of Ugandan civil society organisations has launched a new campaign calling for debt justice, arguing that rising debt obligations are increasingly squeezing public spending on healthcare, education, agriculture and social protection while exposing deeper inequalities in the global financial system.

The Freedom from Debt Campaign, launched by the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) in partnership with AHF Uganda Cares, SEATINI Uganda and the Uganda Debt Network, brings Uganda into a broader African movement seeking reforms in both domestic debt management and the international lending architecture.

Campaigners say the initiative comes at a critical moment for Uganda, whose public debt is projected to reach approximately UGX130 trillion in the 2026/27 financial year, while debt servicing obligations are expected to exceed UGX33.6 trillion or 40pc of budget allocations.

According to the coalition, debt servicing is increasingly competing with investments in sectors that directly affect citizens’ welfare.

“This is not merely a debt crisis; it is a development crisis,” CSBAG says. “Every dollar spent servicing unsustainable debt is a dollar unavailable for medicines in hospitals, classrooms for children, agricultural support for farmers, climate adaptation, infrastructure development, social protection, and job creation for young people.”

The campaign is being launched against the backdrop of what activists describe as an unprecedented global debt burden.

According to figures cited by CSBAG, global public debt reached USD102 trillion in 2024, while developing countries spent more than USD1.4 trillion servicing external debt during the same period.

Africa has been particularly affected. The continent’s external debt now exceeds USD650 billion, with annual debt servicing costs estimated at nearly USD90 billion.

More than 25 African countries spend more on debt repayments than on healthcare according to CSBAG.

For Uganda, campaigners argue that while the country is not yet classified as being in debt distress, the rapid growth in debt obligations raises serious concerns about fiscal sustainability and the state’s ability to finance essential services.

Debt servicing is projected to consume nearly 40 percent of domestic revenue collections in the coming financial year.

Campaign leaders were careful to stress that they are not opposed to borrowing itself.

“The campaign is not against borrowing. It is a call for social justice, equity, responsible borrowing, transparency, accountability and prudent debt management,” said Henry Magala, Country Director of AHF Uganda Cares.

Magala noted that debt can remain an important development tool if managed properly and directed toward productive investments that generate measurable returns for citizens.

He argued that borrowed resources must translate into tangible improvements in healthcare, education, agriculture, social protection and employment creation.

CSBAG Executive Director Julius Mukunda echoed the same position but questioned the fairness of current lending arrangements facing developing countries.

“If you are borrowing externally at 8pc, and the same market is providing loans to other countries at less than 3pc, that is already unfair for a country like Uganda,” Mukunda said.

“We want a better market where if Uganda goes to borrow, it can borrow under almost the same terms as other countries. That is very critical.”

Mukunda added that debt should be directed toward productive investments that improve living standards.

“We can reduce debt dependence by ensuring that the current debt we have acquired delivers the things we want,” he said.

Beyond the size of Uganda’s debt burden, the campaign highlights concerns over how borrowed funds are utilised.

Campaigners point to repeated findings by the Auditor General showing project delays, low loan absorption rates, cost overruns and weak implementation of debt-financed projects.

According to the coalition, Uganda paid approximately UGX73.9 billion in commitment fees on undisbursed external loans during the 2023/24 financial year.

The campaign argues that the challenge is therefore not simply how much government borrows, but whether borrowed resources generate sufficient economic and social returns.

“Debt should finance roads, hospitals, schools, irrigation systems, energy infrastructure, and productive investments that transform livelihoods,” CSBAG says. “It should not finance inefficiencies, avoidable delays, and poor project management.”

The coalition is also calling for greater transparency around borrowing decisions, including public access to loan agreements, debt sustainability assessments and project performance reports.

A central pillar of the campaign is the concept of “debt justice” — the idea that responsibility for the debt crisis does not rest solely with borrowing governments.

Campaigners argue that developing countries face disproportionately high borrowing costs, limited access to concessional financing and debt restructuring mechanisms that are often heavily influenced by creditor interests.

“Debt Justice requires accountability from both borrowers and lenders,” the campaign argues.

The coalition says African countries frequently borrow to respond to climate-related disasters, food insecurity and public health emergencies despite contributing little to the causes of those crises.

“Africa should not have to choose between paying creditors and achieving development,” the campaign declares. “Development must come before debt.”

Among the reforms being advocated are the establishment of a Borrowers’ Forum to strengthen collective bargaining power among debtor nations, automatic debt-service pauses during public health emergencies and climate disasters, and expanded debt-for-development swaps that redirect repayment resources into healthcare, education and infrastructure.

The campaign is also supporting proposals for a one percent global artificial intelligence capital levy dedicated to debt relief and financing essential public goods.

At its core, organisers say, the Freedom from Debt Campaign seeks to place citizens at the centre of debt governance.

Public debt, they argue, ultimately creates obligations that are borne by taxpayers and future generations, making transparency and public participation essential.

The coalition plans to conduct debt sustainability research, monitor debt-financed projects, produce citizen-friendly debt information and engage Parliament on debt oversight.

“We believe that debt should be a tool for development rather than a barrier to development,” the campaign states.

As Uganda’s debt trajectory continues to climb, campaigners hope the initiative will shift public debate away from abstract fiscal statistics and toward the real-world consequences of borrowing decisions.

The post Uganda joins continental push for debt justice as public debt soars to UGX130 trillion appeared first on 256 Business News.

More than 8.8 tonnes of wildlife products confiscated at Entebbe International Airport over the last 15 years have been formally handed over to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), highlighting the critical role airports play in the fight against transnational wildlife trafficking.

The exhibits, weighing a total of 8,857.84 kilogrammes, were transferred from the Aviation Police at Entebbe International Airport to UWA during a handover ceremony held on June 5, 2026.

The stockpile includes a wide range of endangered and protected wildlife products such as raw and worked ivory, pangolin scales, rhino horns, hippopotamus teeth, skins, lion teeth and ostrich eggshells. The items had been seized through joint operations involving Aviation Police, UWA and other security agencies since 2011.

Speaking during the handover, Assistant Commissioner for Law Enforcement at UWA, Margaret Kasumba, who represented the Executive Director, commended Aviation Police and other security agencies for preserving the exhibits over the years.

Kasumba said the confiscated items had been securely maintained and accurately recorded in UWA’s inventory system, ensuring accountability throughout the period they remained in police custody.

“The successful preservation of these exhibits demonstrates the commitment of our partner agencies in supporting wildlife conservation and law enforcement efforts,” she said.

Authorities revealed that traffickers had employed increasingly sophisticated concealment methods to evade detection. In some cases, wildlife products were hidden in containers labelled as shea butter, underscoring the evolving tactics used by organised criminal networks involved in the illegal wildlife trade.

Security officials noted that enhanced screening measures introduced at Entebbe International Airport, including the deployment of a specialised canine unit in 2018, have significantly strengthened efforts to detect prohibited wildlife products and other illicit cargo.

Superintendent of Police Irene Mugoya, representing the Commandant of Aviation Police, thanked UWA for agreeing to take over custody of the exhibits and praised the joint verification exercise conducted by the two institutions.

According to Mugoya, an inventory undertaken during the handover process confirmed that all exhibits remained intact and properly accounted for.

She noted that while some of the seized wildlife products originated from Uganda, the majority were traced to neighbouring countries and were being trafficked through Entebbe as part of international smuggling routes.

The handover exercise began on May 19, 2026 under the leadership of UWA’s Assistant Commissioner for Law Enforcement.

The development highlights the growing importance of airports as frontline defence points against wildlife crime, which remains one of the world’s most lucrative forms of illegal trafficking.

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Manager for Public Affairs, Vianney Luggya, said the successful interception and preservation of the exhibits reflected the effectiveness of the airport’s security and screening systems.

“This handover is a testament to the effectiveness of the security, screening and enforcement mechanisms in place at Entebbe International Airport to detect and intercept prohibited and illegally trafficked items,” Luggya said.

“It demonstrates the strong collaboration among the various government agencies responsible for safeguarding Uganda’s borders and protecting global wildlife resources.”

Luggya warned criminal syndicates against attempting to use Entebbe International Airport as a transit point for illegal wildlife products or other prohibited items.

“We wish to caution all individuals and criminal networks that may intend to use Entebbe International Airport as a transit point for illegal wildlife products or any other prohibited items that such attempts will be detected and dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.

“The airport’s surveillance, screening and enforcement systems remain robust, and offenders will face the full force of the law.”

Wildlife trafficking remains a major conservation and security challenge globally, driven by international demand for ivory, rhino horn and other wildlife products. Conservation experts say sustained cooperation between aviation authorities, law enforcement agencies and wildlife regulators is essential to disrupting trafficking networks that exploit regional transport corridors.

The latest handover reinforces Uganda’s efforts to strengthen border security while contributing to global campaigns aimed at protecting endangered species from illegal exploitation.

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