Uganda’s telecom leaders and regulators aim to close the country’s significant digital usage gap, noting that broadband now reaches about 96% of the population, while more than 70% remain offline. GSMA Africa, MTN, and UCC attribute low uptake to high device costs, limited skills, and scarce local content. Ongoing efforts focus on cheaper smartphones, lower data prices, digital literacy programs, and policy reforms to ensure more Ugandans benefit from the digital economy.

Absa Uganda introduced three digital payment tools—the Multi-Currency Virtual Card, Absa Pay, and Absa Pay by Link—to expand secure, convenient transactions for individuals and businesses. The card supports five currencies for cross-border payments, while Absa Pay enables instant digital card access for contactless phone payments. Absa Pay by Link lets businesses receive Visa-based payments instantly. The launch aligns with the rising use of digital payments and Absa’s strategy to strengthen customer-driven digital banking.

Ugandan youth, led by MTN Uganda and WWF, showcased climate and sustainability innovations in the inaugural Pachi Panda Innovation Challenge. FarmGate Digital, an online platform connecting farmers and traders, won UGX 15 million. KampalaBuzzline, a bee-conservation project, received UGX 10 million, and EcoDrop, a plastic recycling initiative, earned UGX 5 million. The winners receive funding, incubation, and mentorship and will represent Uganda at the Africa Pachi Panda Finals in South Africa, joining innovators from other African nations.

Ugandan-American filmmaker Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine won Best Documentary at Kigali’s Mashariki African Film Festival for Memories of Love Returned, underscoring Uganda’s rising influence in African cinema. The Uganda High Commission supported the country’s pavilion and used the event to advance cultural diplomacy and strengthen ties with Rwanda. The Kigali International Content Market offered Ugandan creators new networking and partnership opportunities, reinforcing the industry’s regional growth.

Artists and designers advanced East African cultural expression through two projects in Uganda: Oikos Gallery opened in Kampala, where its founders presented contemporary African art in a lively community setting, while Hassell and partners completed the Bidi Bidi Performing Arts Centre in northern Uganda. The centre offers an open-air amphitheater, training spaces, and a rain-harvesting roof that supports local resources, strengthening creativity and community for residents and refugees alike.

A cultural revival is unfolding at the National Theatre in Kampala, where artisans teach and showcase Uganda’s centuries-old barkcloth craft. Master craftsman Samula Peter Katamiira, who has practised the skill for 37 years, trains new learners using tools inherited from his father. Artist Owek. Noah Wamala Nnyanzi also promotes barkcloth through a demonstration tree planted seven years ago. Despite shrinking artisan numbers, growing creativity is renewing interest in barkcloth’s cultural and economic value.

Five presidential candidates participated in Uganda’s 2025 debate hosted by Nation Media Group as the country prepares for the 2026 elections. Participants included General Mugisha Muntu (ANT), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (National Unity Platform), Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Joseph Elton Mabirizi (Conservative Party), and Frank Bulira Kabinga (Revolutionary People’s Party). Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni (NRM) and two others, Robert Kasibante and Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga, did not attend. Observers discussed candidates’ performances during the debate.

The Electoral Commission (EC) requested a supplementary budget of Shs469.5 billion to prepare for Uganda’s January 2026 general elections. Acting Secretary Richard Kamugisha said the funds will cover upgraded Biometric Voter Verification equipment, a national de-duplication system, and expanded polling stations, which will increase logistics and staff costs. The budget also includes voter register printing, welfare for officials, and the Electronic Results Transmission System. Parliament’s Budget Committee is reviewing the request.

IGP Byakagaba called for calm and lawfulness as Uganda approaches the January 2026 general elections, citing recent confrontations during campaigns that caused injuries, property damage, and arrests. He highlighted incidents in Lira, Abim, Kawempe, Kayunga, and Iganga. He also acknowledged the Mbarara crackdown on Bobi Wine supporters. Byakagaba urged candidates, parties, and citizens to respect electoral guidelines, warned against violence and illegal activities, and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ensure safe and orderly elections.