Joshua Baraka headlined his maiden concert, “B’raka Land,” at Ndere Cultural Centre, combining high-energy Afro-pop performances with the relaunch of Bell Citrus. The event featured Ugandan emerging artists, surprise guest appearances, interactive brand activations, and a communal toast celebrating the beverage’s revival. Baraka also topped Spotify Uganda’s 2025 most-streamed songs with “Wrong Places”. His rise reflects years of growth, including collaborations with producer JAE5 and the release of his album Juvie, signaling increased local music visibility.

Buganda royals and Bunyoro leaders are taking action to protect ancestral lands amid rising disputes and evictions. In Wakiso, royal officials fight to safeguard Ssekabaka Kamanya’s burial grounds ahead of their reopening, which will feature cultural activities, tree planting, free medical services, and a historical book launch. In Bunyoro, residents and leaders called on President Museveni to intervene and implement measures to stop violent land grabs affecting hundreds of families, especially following oil discoveries.

Ugandan artist Ivan Yakuze showcased his solo exhibition, Aesthetics of the Natural World, at Afrik Kontemp Art (AKA), featuring works that highlight nature’s beauty and incorporate organic materials, such as barkcloth. Barkcloth, a UNESCO-recognized cultural textile, has declined due to modernization, aging artisans, and limited apprenticeships, though a Mutuba tree can produce it for over 40 years. Artists like Owek Nuwa are exploring ways to preserve and adapt the craft for contemporary art, fashion, and design.

Over 5,000 African scientists, researchers, and innovators gathered at Speke Resort in Munyonyo, Kampala, for the Continental Innovation Talks on December 8, 2025. The conference aimed to foster collaboration in science, technology, engineering, and innovation, addressing continental challenges such as climate change, health security, and sustainable industrial growth. Organizers emphasized research exchange, partnership building, and scalable projects. Uganda leveraged the event to strengthen its position as a hub for innovation and policy dialogue in Africa.

Fincom Technologies, through its SchoolPay platform, partnered with the Uganda Catholic Education Department to host the first National Catholic Schools Science Fair, bringing together pupils from all 19 dioceses. Each diocese nominated five learners who presented projects in technology, engineering, environmental conservation, and problem-solving. Officials said the initiative expands STEM access, strengthens digital learning, and supports the Competence-Based Curriculum. Church leaders emphasized their role in building scientific literacy and preparing learners for a tech-driven future.

UNDP and Refactory Academy graduated 144 young Ugandans from the Skills for Digital Jobs Initiative, which trains youth for data science, AI, cybersecurity, software development, product design, and cloud computing. The program enrolled 217 learners and achieved a 96% completion rate. Early tracking shows 33 of 68 monitored graduates securing jobs or internships and 68 of 97 starting ventures. Officials said the initiative strengthens Uganda’s digital workforce and supports long-term economic development.

Officials urged oil suppliers to expand into regional markets as domestic opportunities narrowed ahead of the country’s shift to oil production in mid-2026. At the National Content Conference, they highlighted opportunities in Namibia, Kenya, and Tanzania, where joint-venture rules favored local firms. The event also recognized EACOP for winning CSR Programme of the Year. The company reported 74% project completion and expanded training and local participation initiatives.

Uganda introduced its first Regional Coffee Flavor Profiles to strengthen national coffee branding, improve traceability, and boost the value of the specialty market. Agriculture Minister Fred Bwino announced the results of a seven-year study that analyzed 792 samples of Robusta and Arabica coffee and produced six profiles. Officials said the system supports origin-linked value and prepares Uganda for EU deforestation traceability rules, supported by mapped farms and approved data providers. The launch follows strong export growth.

The Petroleum Authority of Uganda warned that the country might not receive oil revenues until 2027, even though the Kingfisher and Tilenga projects started production in mid-2026. Executive Director Ernest Rubondo said operators had to process crude, transport it through the 1,443-kilometer pipeline, and ship it from Tanga before payments arrived. Energy Minister Opolot Okasai said the government still counted 2026 as “first oil” and announced updated reserves, production targets, and a new National Oil Policy.