By Rising Nation Magazine The recent revelation of over 31 million metric tonnes of gold ore—estimated to contain 320,000 tonnes of refined gold and valued at over $12 trillion—has positioned Uganda on the threshold of a monumental economic transition. With the potential to dramatically alter the nation’s fiscal trajectory and redefine its role in the global minerals market, this discovery offers a moment of historic promise. However, translating this mineral wealth into inclusive and sustainable development will demand more than extraction; it calls for strategic foresight, institutional integrity, and a re-engineered value chain that prioritizes national interest. From Discovery to…
Author: Rising Nation
On June 5, 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni delivered Uganda’s State of the Nation Address at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, fulfilling the constitutional mandate under Article 101(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. In his address, the President highlighted the nation’s achievements and outlined future priorities across various sectors. Key Highlights: For a comprehensive understanding of the President’s address, you can download the full statement.
The first quarter of 2025 unveiled an assertive resurgence in Kenya’s banking sector, with all listed banks on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) posting profitable results. What began as a cautious financial period evolved into one of bullish momentum, led by institutions capitalizing on digital innovation, regional integration, and inclusive sectoral lending. This review explores how these financial titans are not only outperforming market expectations but also shaping a broader regional narrative — where banking is no longer a neutral utility but an instrument of transformation. Source: Abojani Investments I&M Bank Ltd: Regional Vision, Local Precision I&M Bank Ltd posted…
In the evolving landscape of economic development, Uganda stands out for its deliberate and structured efforts to attract, protect, and retain investment. Central to this strategic vision is the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) — a specialized presidential office committed to ensuring investor confidence, protecting capital, and eliminating systemic inefficiencies that hinder Uganda’s development momentum. Headed by Colonel Edith Nakalema, SHIPU reflects Uganda’s strong political will to anchor investments in accountability, transparency, and security, making it not just a government unit, but a cornerstone of national transformation. A Vision-Aligned Mandate for Economic Resilience SHIPU is not an isolated institution;…
By Rising Nation Editorial Desk In a world grappling with the complexities of sustainable development, Uganda’s Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project emerges as a compelling blueprint for integrated rural transformation. A powerful embodiment of the National Policy on Local Economic Development (2014), LEGS is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Local Government, implemented with the financial support of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), the Government of Uganda, and the beneficiary communities themselves. Launched in 2019 and running until 2025, the $50.4 million initiative is not merely another development programme—it is a structural…
The serene shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe, Uganda, recently played host to a momentous gathering that echoed the shared hopes and persistent challenges of the Great Lakes region. On 28 May 2025, Heads of State and Government of the signatory countries to the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework convened for the 12th High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM). Chaired by Uganda’s President, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the summit brought together leaders and representatives from thirteen African nations, along with key guarantor institutions— the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and the…
Lighting the Path to Progress: UEDCL’s Ambitious National Electrification and Infrastructure Overhaul In the evolving landscape of Uganda’s infrastructure development, the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has emerged as a pivotal actor in the nation’s electrification agenda. Following the acquisition of its distribution license from the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) on December 31, 2024, UEDCL has embarked on a transformative mission to extend access, modernize systems, and reinforce public trust in the country’s electricity distribution framework. Over an eight-month horizon, UEDCL has set an ambitious goal: to implement up to 225,000 new electricity connections, a figure that speaks to…
How Infrastructure, Revenue Innovation, and Inclusive Growth Are Reinventing Uganda’s Capital As Uganda advances toward the ambitious goals of Vision 2040, Kampala is emerging as a prototype for urban transformation in Africa. Once constrained by aging infrastructure and low fiscal capacity, the capital is now being reborn—driven by targeted public investment, digital innovation, and a focus on inclusive growth. Leading this transformation is the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), with a bold agenda to modernize infrastructure, elevate service delivery, and unlock sustainable urban productivity. Rebuilding the Capital: Kampala’s Infrastructure Revolution Kampala’s 2,104-kilometer road network is undergoing the most extensive upgrade…
The Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), in collaboration with the National ICT Innovation Hub, successfully hosted the Innovation Bootcamp & Pitch 2025, a transformative initiative aimed at unlocking the commercial potential of student innovations. The four-day bootcamp took place from 15th to 18th May 2025 at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa, and empowered final-year students to turn their academic projects into viable business solutions. Held under the theme “Transforming Student Projects into Minimum Viable Products & Services enroute to Commercialisation,” the bootcamp brought together stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and innovation ecosystems to support student-led…
Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Uganda—the “Pearl of Africa”—is quietly scripting an agrarian revolution, one coffee bean at a time. Coffee, the nation’s golden crop, is not just a beverage staple but a lifeline for millions, contributing 20–30% of Uganda’s annual export earnings and anchoring rural transformation. From the terraced hills of Kamwenge to the bustling trading floors of Kampala, this crop embodies the synergy of visionary leadership, strategic policymaking, and the grit of smallholder farmers. Here’s how Uganda is brewing economic prosperity through coffee. From Colonial Cash Crop to Modern Economic Backbone Coffee’s roots in Uganda trace…
