Uganda is targeting higher economic growth through expanded exports and the start of commercial oil production. The Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority aims to raise total export revenues to $26 billion by scaling up Free Zones and Special Economic Zones. Separately, the government expects oil production from western Uganda to commence in 2026/2027, which is expected to boost revenues, manufacturing, and GDP growth to double-digit levels, according to official and World Bank projections.

Uganda Airlines faces sustained flight delays and cancellations that have stranded passengers and triggered public criticism. Commentators blame management decisions, including opening multiple long-haul routes with only two wide-body aircraft and weak customer communication. The airline’s chief executive says seasonal global disruptions, weather, and overseas airport delays have also affected schedules, citing thousands of delayed flights across major European hubs that disrupted connecting services to and from Entebbe.

Uganda’s shilling strengthened in 2025, appreciating 2.48%  against the US dollar and outperforming regional peers. Official data show steadier foreign exchange inflows supported the currency, led by strong gold and coffee exports and stable remittances. Moderated import demand and measured monetary management limited volatility. The firmer shilling lowered import costs and eased inflation, while slightly reducing local returns for some exporters.

Uganda and Tanzania confirmed the East African Crude Oil Pipeline reached 79% completion by December 2025, keeping the $5 billion project on track for first exports in October 2026. Ministers reviewed final construction and set July 31, 2026, for startup. Developers have welded over 1,100 km of the 1,443 km heated pipeline and advanced the Tanga Marine Terminal and pumping stations to support initial shipments.

Uganda regulates mineral concentrate exports through a permit-based system that prioritizes domestic value addition and allows the government to delay, condition, or deny export approvals. The policy aligns with wider African efforts to retain more mineral value locally. Afreximbank and Egypt have launched plans for a pan-African gold hub to expand refining and trading within the continent. Uganda exported about $5.21 billion in gold between November 2024 and October 2025, highlighting stakes in value retention.

The Electricity Regulatory Authority has approved unchanged electricity end-user tariffs for the first quarter of 2026, maintaining rates set in late 2025. The tariffs apply to all consumer categories served by the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company. Domestic users retain a subsidized lifeline tariff for the first 15 units, while manufacturing and large industrial consumers continue to pay lower rates than in 2024. The tariffs serve as the 2026 base rates.

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has urged citizens to download Jack Dorsey’s decentralized messaging app, Bitchat, ahead of the January 14, 2026, presidential election, citing concerns that the government may restrict internet access. The platform, which uses Bluetooth mesh networks, allows users to communicate without central servers. In response, Uganda Communications Commission Executive Director Nyombi Thembo warned that the government can monitor or block unlicensed apps and urged citizens to follow legal communication channels.

Uganda approved Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), on January 5, 2026. Developed by US-based Gilead Sciences, the drug demonstrated 100% effectiveness in high-risk groups in clinical trials. Uganda aims to use it to help end AIDS by 2030, targeting key populations. The approval follows the IMPALA study in East and Southern Africa, which confirmed the effectiveness and acceptability of long-acting injectable HIV treatments compared with daily oral regimens.

Uganda Tourism Board, working with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations, hosted a Uganda Night cultural showcase in Rabat to promote tourism under the Explore Uganda brand. State Minister Martin Mugara led a delegation of officials, sports leaders, and diaspora representatives. The event featured tourism presentations, traditional music, and storytelling, and used football and culture to market Uganda to international audiences and media.