Stanbic PMI: Ugandan business conditions improve again in October
The latest Stanbic Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data reveals a sustained expansion in Uganda’s private sector for the seventh consecutive month, as business activity and new orders continue to rise. The headline PMI for October recorded a value of 52.9, slightly down from September’s 54.2, yet still indicating positive growth in business conditions.
According to the data collected between October 10 and 29, 2024, the improvement in the Ugandan private sector is largely attributed to increased demand, prompting firms to ramp up their output and hire additional staff. This growth is supported by greater spending on advertising and enhancements in product quality, contributing to buoyant demand conditions across various sectors.
Mulalo Madula, Senior Analyst at Stanbic Bank, commented on the findings, stating, “The latest PMI data for Uganda indicated a sustained expansion in the Ugandan private sector, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth. The persistent increase in output reflects favourable demand, prompting companies, particularly in the manufacturing sector, to hire more staff, even as backlogs of work declined.”
While firms reported a rise in both purchase and staff costs, leading to higher overall input prices, the ability to pass these costs onto consumers resulted in increased selling prices. This trend suggests a healthy demand environment, as all five monitored sectors experienced a rise in expenses. The survey highlighted that higher wage bills and raw material costs were significant factors driving inflation.
This research further highlights a positive demand outlook, where Ugandan businesses have also expanded their inventory levels, preparing for anticipated future growth.
Mulalo adds that despite the increase in costs, the overall business sentiment remains optimistic, with firms expressing confidence in continued demand trends and planned advertising spending.
“The persistent increase in output reflects favourable demand, prompting companies, particularly in the manufacturing sector, to hire more staff, even as backlogs of work declined. The October PMI results underscore the resilience of the Ugandan economy, with businesses benefiting from buoyant demand.” Mulalo said adding that the sustained increase in output is encouraging, and firms are optimistic about future growth, bolstered by planned advertising spending and expectations of continued demand. Moreover, the survey revealed rising input prices, as both purchase and staff costs saw increases, leading to higher selling prices.
However, the ability of businesses to pass these costs onto consumers suggests a healthy demand environment. Overall business sentiment remains positive, indicating that the private sector is likely to maintain its growth trajectory.
The data underscores the resilience of the Ugandan economy, with the PMI results indicating that the private sector is likely to maintain its growth trajectory in the coming months. As firms navigate the challenges of rising costs, their ability to adapt and respond to market demands will be crucial in sustaining this upward momentum.
The Stanbic PMI is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to about 400 purchasing managers. The sectors covered by the survey include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail and services.
The PMI is a weighted average of the following five indices: New Orders (30%), Output (25%), Employment (20%), Suppliers’ Delivery Times (15%) and Stocks of Purchases (10%).
https://theinsider.ug/index.php/2024/11/05/stanbic-pmi-ugandan-business-conditions-improve-again-in-october/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum