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.