The Independent
Uganda · English · Digital
A Ugandan news outlet covering local politics, health, business, and culture with a focus on national events and developments.
- 12 stories today
- 16/day · 7-day avg
- Top beat: Politics
- Tracked since 2026
- 1 Uganda peers
Today’s stories
- Gold exports surge, but no revenue benefit, civil society warnsUganda's gold exports surged to USD 5.8 billion in 2025, surpassing coffee as the main export, but civil society warns that limited tax collection and fixed levies prevent the country from reaping revenue benefits. Key companies have accrued large tax liabilities without payment, and the taxation system is criticized for not adapting to price changes, leaving communities without direct benefits from mining activities.
- UMA rejects proposal to offer lunch instead of intern allowancesThe Uganda Medical Association rejected a government proposal to provide lunch instead of intern allowances, stating interns require more comprehensive support. The government is studying the financial implications of providing lunch for 2000 interns annually, while the policy abolishing internship allowances has generated significant concern.
- CJ Katureebe mediation offers hope in Judiciary-ULS standoffA mediation process led by former Chief Justice Bert Katureebe offers hope for resolving the long-standing dispute between Uganda's Judiciary and the Uganda Law Society (ULS), potentially enabling the society to hold its delayed annual general meeting and elections. Key points include the mediation's focus on resolving the conflict, the scheduling of a third session, and the involvement of legal professionals in driving the initiative.
- Why this budget is differentUganda's 2026/27 budget aims for structural transformation through measurable results, financial self-reliance, and integration of productive sectors with enablers like infrastructure and security. It focuses on monetization, value addition in key sectors, and addressing past execution challenges.
- Tourism, aviation, hospitality, the victims of travel advisoriesUganda's tourism, aviation, and hospitality sectors are suffering due to travel advisories and misinformation related to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, leading to canceled trips and financial losses.
- Africa focuses on Uganda’s ECOTRUST at launch of ACBA Biodiversity AcademyThe African CSOs Biodiversity Alliance (ACBA) launched the ACBA Biodiversity Academy (ABA) to promote African-led learning and knowledge sharing on biodiversity conservation, with ECOTRUST leading the first webinar series on conservation finance and landscape restoration models.
- Tyms AI enters business market with new smart tool to ease workTyms AI launched a new AI platform designed to assist businesses by handling repetitive tasks across various departments, allowing employees to focus on judgment-driven work. The platform emphasizes human oversight and was developed by Ugandan entrepreneur Allan Rwakatungu and Australian investor Arron Cleary.
- WHO: Children under five face highest risk from unsafe foodThe WHO reports that children under five are at highest risk from unsafe food, with 866 million annual illnesses and 1.5 million deaths linked to foodborne diseases, particularly chemical hazards like arsenic and lead.
- China achieves enormous progress in enhancing human rightsChina released a national action plan to enhance human rights over the next five years, emphasizing social fairness, economic development, and global cooperation. The 2026 Forum on Global Human Rights Governance highlighted China's progress in human rights protection and called for international collaboration.
- Musasizi’s first budget, oil revenues and leap to middle incomeUganda's Minister of Finance, Henry Musasizi, presented the 2026/2027 budget aiming to boost economic growth and transition to a middle-income country, with a focus on oil revenues, mineral value addition, and infrastructure development.
- Arts teachers receive salary enhancement in 2026/2027 BudgetThe Ugandan government announced a 25% salary increase for primary and arts secondary school teachers in the 2026/27 budget, along with increased education funding and teacher recruitment plans.
- How first oil evaded 5 Energy, 4 Finance MinistersUganda's oil production has been delayed for nearly two decades due to political changes, policy shifts, and regulatory challenges, with multiple ministers failing to achieve 'first oil' despite various projections and infrastructure developments.
- Artist Jajja Kasozi Batuuka speaks out on Paul Kafeero DNA sagaUgandan cultural leader Jajja Kasozi Batuuka urges respect for the dead and cultural values amid a DNA debate over the remains of late musician Paul Kafeero, calling for traditional methods to resolve family disputes.
- India’s drug lifeline to Africa disrupted by Iran warIndia's pharmaceutical supply chain to Africa faces disruption due to the Iran war affecting the Strait of Hormuz, leading to increased costs and potential medicine shortages.
- Calls of ‘Set Anita Among Free’ start one month after security raidsA month after security raids on former Ugandan Speaker Anita Among's properties, calls grow for the government to explain the allegations against her and her incommunicado detention, with critics suggesting political motives rather than anti-corruption efforts.