Uganda’s exports of goods and services reached USD 13.4 billion in the 2024/25 financial year, with merchandise exports contributing USD 10.6 billion. The strong trade performance helped the country record a Balance of Payments surplus of USD 2.37 billion, the highest in 15 years. Foreign direct investment rose to USD 3.5 billion, portfolio inflows reached USD 1.7 billion, and remittances hit USD 1.6 billion. Tourism earnings also grew to USD 1.7 billion.

The Criminal Investigations Directorate, in collaboration with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, has initiated an investigation into Uganda Airlines regarding allegations of abuse of office, embezzlement, and false accounting. Investigators requested financial, procurement, and operational records, including budgets, contracts for Boeing aircraft, fuel suppliers, ticketing agents, and the London route expansion. The inquiry focuses on missing service fees exceeding $9.2 million, disputed aircraft purchases, and potential conflicts of interest in revenue management.

Uganda’s shilling emerged as the world’s most stable currency, appreciating 2.45% against major currencies in the year ending December 2025, according to Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury. The currency’s strength reflects low inflation, disciplined fiscal management, strategic fuel imports, and government investment in food production. Uganda recorded 6.3% GDP growth in FY2024/25, a $2.37 billion balance of payments surplus, and rising exports, FDI, and remittances, highlighting strong macroeconomic fundamentals.

Traders at Farmers Mall have protested alleged unlawful evictions, monthly rent increases, and intimidation by armed security, accusing owner John Bosco Muwonge of locking shops without notice and enforcing 10% rent hikes. Shops remained closed as traders attempted to seek dialogue but were blocked by armed personnel. The protesters, mainly selling agricultural inputs, called on government authorities to intervene, citing harassment and financial strain, while management has not responded to requests for comment.

The Heninger Garrison Davis law firm will likely pay over $900,000 for failing to verify hearing-loss claims from nearly 1,000 Ugandans in the $6 billion 3M Combat Arms earplug settlement. A special master found that most Ugandan audiograms were forged and faulted two attorneys for reckless indifference. The firm did not confirm exposure, nor were there medical records of earplug use. Courts and experts noted the case highlights risks in mass-tort and class-action claims.

Bobi Wine, Uganda’s opposition presidential candidate, pledged to review all oil contracts with international firms and revise terms that do not favor Ugandans if elected. The announcement comes as Uganda prepares to begin oil production from its Albertine Rift fields in the second half of 2026. Construction of the $5 billion, 1,443-kilometer East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) to Tanzania’s Tanga port is about 75% complete, with first exports expected in October 2026.