Ugandan authorities used satellite data to detect early signs of crop stress during droughts, enabling timely disaster relief and targeted financing through the country’s Disaster Risk Financing Program. The $14 million initiative generated $40.7 million in total benefits, including $11.1 million in emergency aid savings. By monitoring vegetation and precipitation indices, the program forecasts crop failure, allowing proactive support and demonstrating a scalable model for climate resilience in vulnerable regions worldwide.

Uganda’s internet shutdown exposed corporate reliance on social media and pushed PR managers to use alternative channels. The Uganda Communications Commission ordered the blackout on January 13, 2026, ahead of national elections, cutting access to major platforms. As organisations struggled to distribute content, practitioners turned to email, SMS, phone calls, websites, events, mass media, and earned media, underscoring the need for diversified, owned communication channels.

Uganda restored access to social media and digital platforms after restricting them during the elections. The internet and app shutdowns, including WhatsApp, X, TikTok, and Instagram, had been implemented to control information flow and maintain public order. Citizens relied on virtual private networks (VPNs) and offline communication tools to continue accessing data. The restoration highlights the critical role of digital technology and connectivity in information sharing and civic engagement during politically sensitive periods.