The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) urged young people, media practitioners, and content creators to apply innovation and technology creatively to tackle unemployment and drive socio-economic growth. Speaking at the inaugural Nile Excellence Annual Awards in Tororo, UCC highlighted the role of digital tools, media, and tech-driven solutions in generating income and employment. The awards recognized talent across over 20 categories and aim to link winners with mentorship, investors, and opportunities.

The Ugandan government launched an electricity extension project in Masaka District to connect underserved communities, focusing on landing sites. Former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi highlighted the initiative’s role in improving livelihoods, service delivery, and economic activity. Local leaders said electricity would reduce reliance on firewood, support small businesses, and prevent losses in fishing and other trades. Officials called for community cooperation to ensure safe installation and effective implementation.

Researchers at Atlantic Technological University in Donegal have developed a smart sensor to monitor handpumps in rural Uganda and ensure safe drinking water. The solar-powered device tracks water volume, pump movements, and lateral displacement, sending data via Uganda’s cellular network to the cloud. Technicians receive alerts about malfunctions for timely repairs. Installed in ten boreholes in Kumi District, the system could expand to hundreds more sites across Uganda and other countries.

Uganda’s Catholic Bishops urged all stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections ahead of the January 15, 2026, polls, warning that rising campaign violence threatens the country’s democracy. In their Christmas message, delivered by Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa, the bishops called on the Electoral Commission to assert control of the electoral process and on security forces to avoid violence. They reminded candidates to follow electoral laws and appealed to voters to reject bribery and conflict.

Uganda rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, aligning with the African Union’s position that borders established at independence in the 1960s should remain intact. Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia, citing its right to self-determination and potential strategic cooperation. Somalia, the AU, and several countries condemned the move, citing threats to Somalia’s sovereignty. The US defended Israel’s decision at the UNSC.

President Yoweri Museveni pledged new road links in Mukono District to decongest Kampala and strengthen regional connectivity during a January 2, 2026, NRM campaign rally. He condemned the alleged theft of Parish Development Model funds and called on residents to hold local leaders accountable. Museveni highlighted NRM achievements in education, health, water access, and household wealth creation, framing infrastructure and social services as part of the party’s strategy to consolidate support ahead of the elections.

President Yoweri Museveni commissioned PRO Industries, the largest ethanol and extra-neutral alcohol (ENA) plant in East Africa, in Luwero District, Uganda. The $100 million facility produces 120,000 liters of ENA and 35,000 liters of ethanol per day and works with more than 20,000 local maize farmers. The plant supports Uganda’s ethanol blending policy starting in 2026, aims to reduce the $2 billion annual fuel import bill, create jobs, and promote clean energy.

Ugandan car dealers warned that vehicle import taxes may rise as the government seeks new revenue in the next budget. Importers said taxes already add 40% to 60% to used car prices through duties, VAT, excise, and age-related levies. While rates remain unchanged, dealers and clearing agents cited growing uncertainty, higher costs from currency shifts, and concern that age or environmental levies could increase.

Uganda invited Russia to pursue joint ventures in coffee processing and to expand cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Foreign ministry official John Leonard Mugerwa said Uganda, Africa’s largest coffee producer, seeks Russian investment to add value through domestic processing and access the Russian market. He also cited Russia’s expertise in energy, construction, and information technology as areas for broader trade and economic cooperation.