Uganda’s national debt has grown to 24.60 Billion dollars (sh93.38trn), according to latest report by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for the period up the December 2023.
Finance Ministry, National debt, Uganda, Maria Kasaija
This is an increase from 23.66 that was recorded at the end of last financial year (June 2023).
This resulted in the debt to GDP ratio reducing from 48.4 to 46.9 percent, because of the expansion of the economy, rather than reduction in debt stock.
Of this, external public debt accounted for 14.64 Billion dollars (55.37 Trillion shillings) while domestic debt was 9.96 Billion (38.01 trillion), according to the public debt sustainability analysis conducted in December.
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija says more borrowing is necessary to fund the budget, though it needs to be prudent.
“Government of Uganda’s public financing is guided by the principle of prudent current national and global challenges that have necessitated increased borrowing to finance the Budget for the year 2023/24.
Despite the above, Government is still committed to contracting of more external concessional financing and less of domestic and commercial debt,” says the minister.
However, with the increasing cost of debt (servicing) relative to the domestic revenue, which, by law, us supposed to service and repay the debt, the ministry admits is a cause of concern.
The ratio of total debt service to domestic revenue amounted to 32.6 percent in Financial Year 2022/23 and thus debt service burden still remains a key area of concern for debt sustainability, according to the minister.
By the end of December 2023, total public debt service amounted to 1.983 billion dollars, of which 59.9 percent was in principal repayments, 39.8 percent interest service payment and 0.3 payment of commissions and charges.
It means 1.1878 billion dollars or about 4.5 trillion shillings want towards clearing the debt.
Similarly, new loans equivalent to 1.563 were approved by Parliament and signed, showing that more loan values are being acquired than what is being paid back, hence the increase in the debt stock.
For this financial year the parliament passed a total budget amounting to 52.737 trillion shillings and the total external financing for the first half amounted to 1.415 trillion against the target of 3.846 trillion.
According to the ministry, the shortfall was mainly attributed to the lower-than-expected disbursements under projects and programs, delayed commencement of some major infrastructure projects and lower Budget Support disbursements.
On the domestic scene, half year net domestic financing amounted to 3.162 trillion against the target 1.341 trillion shillings.
The difference was attributed to Government’s “need to cover the financing gap that resulted from delayed mobilization of external budget support as well as low domestic revenue performance,” the report says.
*Source – URN*
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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