Uganda’s debt burden surges, Kampala deploys commandos to Juba amid regional tensions, Atiak Sugar project stalls, Lubowa Hospital remains incomplete, and Uganda Airlines launches European routes in a bid to expand its global footprint.
KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda this week grappled with political disputes, military actions, and economic challenges, escalating national tensions.
President Museveni, via X, invalidated Kawempe North by-election results, triggering National Resistance Movement (NRM) discord. State House Central Executive Committee (CEC) meetings featured allegations of opposition electoral irregularities, including ballot stuffing and violence. Museveni cited 50 canceled polling stations. NRM sources, speaking anonymously, claimed valid votes existed. Cancellation of votes at Kawempe Mbogo, where NRM candidate Faridah Nambi voted, became a flashpoint. Executive Director of the Uganda Media Center, Ofwono Opondo, cited “increasingly bad manners” within the party. The CEC resolved to challenge the results in court. The returning officer reported 406 invalid votes from a 15% voter turnout.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), announced “Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya,’” deploying UPDF troops to South Sudan. Parliament members, including MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, denounced the move as illegal, citing the UPDF Act 2005. Defence Minister Oboth Oboth claimed ignorance. South Sudanese Information Minister Michael Makuei denied Ugandan troop presence. Col. Chris Magezi, acting defence public information officer, stated they acted on request from the south sudan government. The NRM caucus, following presidential summons, supported the deployment, with Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua calling it a “peace enforcement” mission. Mukono North MP Abdallah Kiwanuka, of the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee, criticized the deployment.
Uganda Debt Network researchers reported Uganda’s public debt reached Shs107 trillion, equating to Shs2.3 million per citizen. Finance Ministry figures confirmed the debt increase from Shs86.779 trillion in FY 2022/23 to Shs94.869 trillion in FY 2023/24. WFD-organized dialogue experts advocated reduced domestic borrowing and effective oil revenue management. Assistant research officer Peninah Nayiga highlighted the Shs107 trillion figure, excluding domestic arrears, exceeding official estimates.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict forced the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to halt truck transit at the Katuna border, impacting local businesses. Establishments like Shine Star Restaurant, Elijah Hotel, and Macro Hardware reported client declines and potential layoffs. URA Commissioner of Customs Asadu Kigozi Kisitu issued guidance to stop cargo trucks from proceeding to the eastern DRC via Kigezi because of the existing fragile situation.
Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) pushed forward with railway revitalization, evaluating bids for new locomotives to revive routes from Tororo to Gulu. However, the economic stagnation at the Katuna border highlighted the stark contrast between infrastructure ambitions and present economic struggles.
Financial debates continued over the government’s fiscal policies. The Umeme buyout remained under scrutiny, and funding allocations for Inspire Africa Coffee and Atiak Sugar Factory sparked public debate. Meanwhile, shifting trade patterns saw South Sudan surpass Kenya as Uganda’s top export market, signaling changing regional dynamics.
On the geopolitical front, European Union sanctions on Rwandan generals and M23 rebels underscored regional instability. However, a Doha meeting between Rwandan and DRC leaders provided a glimmer of hope for ceasefire negotiations.
Meanwhile, China reaffirmed support for Uganda, contrasting Western aid uncertainties. Chinese Ambassador Zhang Lizhong highlighted infrastructure and manufacturing investments under the Belt and Road Initiative. Uganda also marked a milestone in international connectivity with Uganda Airlines reinstating direct flights to London Gatwick, a move expected to bolster trade and tourism.
Uganda continued battling domestic issues. The Uganda Cancer Institute’s acquisition of advanced technology offered hope for healthcare improvements, while Swedish support against Sudan Ebola Virus Disease emphasized global collaboration.
However, troubling social challenges persisted. An Uwezo report revealed continued corporal punishment in schools, while economic hardships led the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to call for increased savings.
Corruption and land disputes further clouded Uganda’s development aspirations. In Wakiso District, the National Technological Demonstration Centre (NTDC) project was mired in allegations of land grabbing. High-ranking officials were accused of obstructing the initiative, casting doubt on Museveni’s Vision 2040 plans.
Security concerns escalated with the brutal murder of a teacher in Mukono. Authorities arrested five suspects, but the case underscored ongoing criminal threats.
With contested elections, military controversy, mounting debt, and disrupted trade, Uganda finds itself at a critical juncture. The government continues to push forward with ambitious projects, yet economic realities and political strife pose significant hurdles. As the country navigates these turbulent times, the balance between progress and crisis remains uncertain.
Related
