Atingi-Ego, who has been serving as Deputy Governor, now assumes full leadership of the central bank

In the same announcement, Augustus Nuwagaba has been named the new Deputy Governor.

The appointments has been confirmed by deputy presidential press secretary Faruk Kirunda.

Professor Nuwagaba is an economist and international consultant specializing in economic transformation, poverty eradication, and wealth creation.

He has served as an associate professor at Makerere University and is the managing consultant at REEV Consult International.

Nuwagaba has advised institutions like the World Bank, UNDP, and various African governments. He holds a PhD from Makerere University and an MBA in Monetary Policy.

A Rotarian and former President of the Rotary Club of Muyenga, he has authored works on urbanization and skills development. His appointment as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda brings extensive economic expertise to the role.

Atingi-Ego, also a Rotarian, steps into the role at a critical time, as the Bank of Uganda navigates economic stability, inflation control, and financial sector regulation.

Economists had long warned that Uganda’s failure to appoint a substantive governor for three years after Mutebile’s death in January 2022 created uncertainty in monetary policy.

They argued that a vacant top leadership position at the Bank of Uganda weakened investor confidence, delayed critical policy decisions, and risked instability in the financial sector. Without a governor, major economic reforms and crisis responses lacked firm direction.

Analysts also pointed out that the absence of permanent leadership undermined coordination between fiscal and monetary policy, making it harder to manage inflation, exchange rates, and overall economic growth in a challenging global environment.

Atingi-Ego’s appointment is expected to bring continuity, given his experience within the institution.

The updated enforcement measures, which include stricter weight limits for dutiable goods and a two-hour tax payment window upon arrival, come amid a surge in trade activity and cases of passengers mis-declaring commercial goods as personal baggage.

According to URA, the adjustments follow amendments to the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) and are meant to balance trade facilitation with tax compliance.

One of the key changes is an increase in the duty-free threshold from $500 to $2,000 for passengers who have been outside Uganda for more than 24 hours.

However, this exemption does not apply to gifts, items intended for resale, or company-owned goods.

Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, Sylvester Kiwanuka, the manager of customs at Entebbe International Airport, emphasized that these rules are not new but are being reinforced to prevent abuse.

“Some travelers disguise trade goods as personal baggage to evade taxes. These procedures will ensure compliance while reducing congestion at customs checkpoints,” Kiwanuka said.

Passengers carrying dutiable goods exceeding 50 kilograms in commercial value—such as electronics, clothing, vehicle spare parts, and phone accessories—must now process them through the cargo terminal instead of the passenger baggage section.

Additionally, traders importing such goods are required to use their Tax Identification Numbers (TINs).

To further tighten enforcement, URA has introduced a two-hour deadline for passengers carrying taxable goods to settle their duties.

If payment is not made within this timeframe, the baggage will be moved to the cargo terminal for further processing.

While some travelers appreciate the clarity in the guidelines, others have raised concerns about the short window for tax payment, saying it may be difficult for those with multiple baggage items.

For returning Ugandan residents who have lived abroad for at least a year, tax exemptions remain in place for personal and household effects—provided they were previously used and will be for personal use in Uganda.

However, restricted items such as used refrigerators, computers, and televisions will be confiscated upon arrival.

With increased trade activity and more flights to destinations like China, India, Dubai, and Turkey, URA is urging travelers to familiarize themselves with the updated regulations to avoid delays.

The agency maintains that these enforcement measures will enhance efficiency while ensuring compliance with customs laws.

Information from MAAIF indicates that Uganda exported 413,221 60-kg bags of coffee in December 2024, generating USD 115.02 Million in revenue, marking an increase from November 2024, when 400,536 60-kg bags were exported, earning USD 108.91 Million, reinforcing Uganda’s position as one of the leading coffee exporters in Africa.

This increment comes on the heels of a debate over the future of the country’s biggest commodity foreign exchange earner after gold, after the government decided to abolish the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).

The rising numbers highlight the country’s ability to sustain and grow its coffee trade despite recent structural changes in the government’s agricultural sector, which also included the rationalisation of public expenditure.

The increase in exports comes in the wake of the Rationalization of Government Agencies and Expenditure (RAPEX)program, under which UCDA, which was responsible for the coffee sector development, and several other agricultural bodies, were merged into MAAIF.

The transition raised concerns among stakeholders regarding the continuity of key functions, such as quality control, extension services, and export facilitation. However, the Ministry has assured farmers, traders, and exporters that all regulatory and enforcement mechanisms previously under UCDA remain in place and fully operational.

According to MAAIF, for a seamless transition, technical staff from the dissolved agencies has been retained ensuring that crucial services such as monitoring, certification, and advisory support continue without interruption.

“The government remains firm in its commitment to enhancing Uganda’s agricultural exports, particularly coffee, which is one of the country’s most valuable foreign exchange earners,” said David Kasura-Kyomukama, the Permanent Secretary at MAAIF.

Despite the positive export performance, the Ministry has raised concerns over reports of poor post-harvest handling in some parts of the country. There have been instances of premature coffee harvesting and poor drying of Fair Average Quality (FAQ) coffee, which could undermine Uganda’s export standards and reputation in international markets.

Kyomukama warned that all actors in the coffee value chain must comply with existing quality control measures to avoid penalties. “The public is hereby informed that all the mechanisms, including enforcement, that existed before the rationalization of the UCDA into MAAIF remain in full effect,” he emphasized.

The government has urged stakeholders to uphold best agronomic and harvesting practices to protect Uganda’s competitive edge in the global coffee market. “Anyone with information regarding poor agronomic and harvesting practices along the coffee value chain should immediately report it to the Assistant Commissioner of Coffee Production for appropriate action,” the Permanent Secretary stated.

MAAIF further states that the December 2024 exports were shipped to key destinations including Italy, Germany, the USA, China, India, Algeria, and Morocco. The increase in both volume and value of exports signals growing confidence in Uganda’s coffee industry and the effectiveness of government policies aimed at improving the sector’s sustainability.

The improved earnings reflect the resilience of Uganda’s coffee sector, which continues to thrive despite global economic fluctuations. By enforcing stringent quality controls and investing in farmer education, the government aims to enhance Uganda’s reputation as a producer of premium-quality coffee.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of Uganda’s coffee sector. While the restructuring under RAPEX was intended to streamline operations and cut government expenditure, the increased coffee export figures suggest that the transition has been successfully managed without disrupting trade flows.

As Uganda continues to expand its footprint in the international coffee market, authorities will focus on improving production standards, enforcing regulations, and supporting farmers with better extension services.

With a steady increase in exports and a firm stance on quality assurance, the future of Uganda’s coffee industry looks promising. For farmers, traders, and exporters, the message is clear: adhering to best practices and quality standards will not only protect Uganda’s reputation but also ensure the continued growth of the coffee industry.

Speaking at the EAC Regional Payments System Steering Committee meeting in Entebbe, Uganda, Annette Ssemuwemba, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade, and Monetary Affairs, said the new master plan will foster economic integration with the region.

“The EAC Payment Systems Masterplan will make cross-border payments faster, safer, cheaper, and more transparent, unlocking the region’s trade and financial potential,” she said.

This at the time when despite the rapid growth in digital payments and mobile money transactions in the EAC, challenges such as high transaction costs, limited interoperability, and regulatory disparities remain. Cross-border payments are currently costly, averaging 7% of the transaction value, far above the global target of 1% for retail payments and 3% for remittances.

The region also faces legal gaps due to the absence of an enforceable regional payments law. While some Partner States have enacted legislation to align with EAC commitments, the lack of uniform regulatory enforcement hampers the seamless flow of payments.

The EAC Payment Systems Masterplan, Ssemuwemba, said will address these challenges by promoting greater integration of payment systems. A key initiative is the development of a mutual recognition framework for licensing Payment Service Providers (PSPs), allowing them to operate across borders with fewer regulatory hurdles. The plan also includes the creation of a harmonized regulatory framework for mobile money and e-wallet transactions to promote interoperability and security.

The Masterplan also aims to develop infrastructure for instant cross-border payments, ensuring access, speed, cost efficiency, and transparency. With a focus on currency acceptability and convertibility, it will reduce foreign exchange costs and improve pricing mechanisms.

The EAC regional payment initiative will also benefit individuals and businesses by lowering transfer costs, enhancing financial inclusion, and enabling seamless transactions across borders.

Last December, Tanzania scrapped all charges on card payments to encourage a shift towards digital transactions. The country’s central bank, the Bank of Tanzania (BOT) issued a notice stating that payments made using debit, credit, or prepaid cards at point-of-sale machines will no longer attract charges.

Transport options for business people involved in regional trade, were given a boost by the official launch of M.V. Mpungu, which can carry 21 fully laden freight vehicles across Lake Victoria. It is owned by East Africa Marine Transport (EAMT).

The $20 million project was funded by the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) through its project development specialist, InfraCo.  Regional logistics company, Grindrod Limited, is managing the day-to-day operations for the lake’s first scheduled roll-on/roll-off freight vessel. ‘Mpungu’ is the Luganda word for the eagle frequently seen crossing Lake Victoria, and was suggested by local schoolchildren from Lake Side College in Port Bell.

Speaking on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni last Friday, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said, “This vessel is a milestone for East Africa, advancing our trade and environmental priorities while strengthening regional ties. My thanks to everyone who brought this project to life.”

The 96-metre-long vessel undertakes a minimum of two scheduled crossings per week between Port Bell, Uganda, and the port at Mwanza, Tanzania. EAMT plans to scale its operations further, with additional sailings and future routes, including potential for connections to Kenya. Discussions are also underway on the use of alternative fuels to further reduce emissions. According to officials at the launch, the M.V. Mpungu reduces transport times across Lake Victoria to just 18 hours, compared to the current three-to-four-day journey along congested roads.

Rodney Seema, the PIDG Regional Asset Management Lead for InfraCo and speaking on behalf of EAMT said: “This vessel represents a collaborative achievement that redefines the logistics landscape for East Africa. With the M.V. Mpungu, we’re not just offering faster, greener transport options—we’re creating opportunities for regional trade to flourish. On behalf of EAMT, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the investors, shipbuilders, partners and the local communities who have contributed to this project’s success.”

Based in London, PIDG works with public and private partners to bridge financing gaps, directing capital and expertise into projects that promote climate resilience and sustainable growth. Working throughout the project lifecycle, we reduce financial risk, transform markets and build local capacity.

The Group focuses on mobilizing private investment in infrastructure projects, particularly in developing countries like those in sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia.

Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda said, “The launch of MV Mpungu marks a transformative moment for Uganda’s maritime industry and regional trade within the East African Community. This vessel is more than just an infrastructure project—it’s a game-changer for businesses, offering a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective transport solution that will drive economic growth and integration across borders.”

“ I’m especially proud of the UK government’s role in funding this strategic initiative through InfraCo and the PIDG group of companies, alongside the Netherlands and Switzerland. Over the 21 months of close collaboration, InfraCo and its partners have prioritized skilling Ugandan labour, ensuring that local talent plays a pivotal role in this achievement. With over 140 jobs created, this project is not only building a vessel but also empowering Uganda’s workforce and strengthening its maritime future,” she said.

Located at Entebbe, SECO Marine (Uganda) Limited and part of the Alpha Group,  used a purpose-built shipyard to complete the M.V. Mpungu project. With grant funding from the European Union Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund, technical assistance was also provided by Danish company, OSK Design and M/s. S&O Maritime, India.

Mpungu, a Luganda word for the eagle seen crossing Lake Victoria, was suggested for the vessel’s name by local schoolchildren from Lake Side College in Port Bell. Registered under the Ugandan flag, the vessel features modern sleeping quarters and dining areas, ensuring drivers can rest and recharge during the crossing. Classed by Bureau Veritas, the M.V. Mpungu will operate in compliance with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards for safety of life at sea (SOLAS), security of shipping and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

EAMT trained a cohort of twenty mariners, 30% of whom are women, to work on board the M.V. Mpungu and other vessels in the region. Four individuals are continuing their training at the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute to become officers.

Kampala, Uganda |  The High Court has adjudged that the current Board of Directors of the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) chaired by former MP Julius Bigirwa Junjura does not have the technical competence to run the affairs of the agency.

The board, mainly comprising former MPs, and representatives from the line Ministries of Finance, Gender, and Public Service, fired the CEO of UBRA Martin Anthony Nsubuga early last year after he questioned their decision not to renew his contract. They instead announced an acting CEO and advertised the position.

The High Court has now quashed their appointments and ordered the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to name a new Board with technical competence in public interest of pensioners, and the sector as a whole. Court said the Minister should appoint persons with the requisite qualifications set out under Section 8 of the Uganda Retirement Benefits and Regulatory Authority Act.  (click to read the full ruling here)

“This court having found that the 2^nd respondent’s (URBRA) board is not properly constituted or that it is constituted by persons who lack requisite qualifications, it is only fair and in the interest of the general public or the retired persons or pensioners that they are stopped from continuing to manage or sit on the board,” ruled Justice Musa Ssekaana.

The court ruling stated that the main object of its prohibition is prevention rather than to cure. “The function of prohibition is to prohibit the board concerned from proceeding with the matter further or continuing to act in a particular way or manner.”

“This court issues a declaratory order to the effect that the decision of the Minister of Finance (1^st respondent) to disregard the order of court stopping the removal of the applicant ( Martin Anthony Nsubuga) from office was contemptuous and is accordingly cautioned. The applicant is awarded costs of this application.”

URBRA is an autonomous body established by virtue of section 2 of the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority Act 2011, Act No. 15 of 2011. It is responsible for regulating the establishment, management and operation of retirement benefits schemes in Uganda in both the private and public sectors. NSSF is one of entities it regulates.

Museveni questions politician appointments to boards

President Yoweri Museveni late last year threatened to block “political failures” from appointments to boards.

On November 5, Head of Public Service and Secretary to the cabinet Lucy Nakyobe wrote to the Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija expressing concern about the need to appoint members of statutory boards with requisite qualifications.

“At the 36th Cabinet meeting held on 28 October 2002, H.E the President raised concerns on appointment of politicians who have failed in elective politics to statutory boards and that the appointments are marred with favoritism.”

Nakyobe added that, President Museveni ” cited examples of the Uganda Retirements Regulatory Authority and the Tax Tribunal where politicians on boards are causing confusion in the agencies; transforming board membership into full time jobs yet these are supposed to be part time assignments and engaging in politicking. As such this was affecting service delivery and undermining the credibility of government.”

In another related later last month, President Museveni promised to investigate report of financial mismanagement by the URBRA board since Martin Nsubuga was sacked.

Named M.V. Mpungu, the vessel is owned and operated by East Aria Marine Transport(EAMT), a joint venture between the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG ) InfraCo Africa and Grindrod Limited.

Roll-on roll-off  is method of loading and unloading cargo onto a ship where vehicles, like cars, trucks, or trailers, are driven directly onto the vessel using a ramp, essentially “rolling on” and “rolling off” on their own wheels, rather than being lifted by a crane like in traditional cargo operations; it’s primarily used for wheeled cargo that can move under its own power.

Speaking during the launch at Port Bell in Luzira on Friday, Xolani Mbambo, the CEO of Grindrod said at  the heart of the  project lies the customer and the communities.

“We are committed to transforming freight transport across Lake Victoria by reducing transit times from days to hours,” Mbambo said.

He said the vessel will for now travel between Port Bell and Mwanza in Tanzania, before adding Kenya.

“We have consistently operated with excellence as MV Mpungu forms the foundation of an efficient logistics network across Lake Victoria. We are therefore excited to create enduring value for our customers in Uganda and Tanzania, facilitating the seamless movement of cargo from origin to destination.”

Gilles Vaes, the PIDG InfraCo chief investment and project development officer said such  vessel will further increase the volume of goods that are transported on sea.

“The development of high quality maritime infrastructure such as this vessel and port facilities hold the key to unlocking Lake Victoria vast potential for trade. With Uganda being a land locked country, we hope this vessel is the beginning of an acceleration of trade activity on Lake Victora,” Vaes said.

Officials said the vessel will reduce travel time from Kampala to Mwanza from four days to just 18 hours and on each trip, it will carry 19 trailers.

This will reduce pressure and traffic congestion on Ugandan roads.

The State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama could not agree more.

“Uganda  being a land linked country , we heavily rely  on road transport for the transportation of our imports and exports. This comes along with a number of costs such as high road maintenance costs,  environmental costs and related land tariff barrier that have led to  increased cost of transportation. There’s also the issue of commemorative examination of goods, which is wasteful, tending to increase costs of doing business. And these increased costs, I must assure you have directly imparted on us,” Byamukama said.

He said with the coming of MV Mpungu on board, all these costs, on top of transport time have been dealt with.

President Museveni in a speech read by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja hailed the owners of the vessel, noting that “ it is subversive for any leader not to support investors like the owners of MV Mpungu.”

He described the launch of the vessel as being timely in linking Uganda to other East African and African markets.

“For vehicles to drive from Mwanza they must travel on congested road for three of four days and fresh produce might get spoilt. Also, by using roads, the cost for traders and producers is prohibitively high. With the coming of MV Mpungu, all these will be done away with,” Museveni said.

He said the vessel will spur trade between Uganda and the other countries.

“This project will also have other lasting benefits for the Ugandan economy. This vessel was built at Entebbe leading to employment of over 160 Ugandans skilled in trades such as steel cutting, wielding, engineering and electrical services.”

He said the project is a great milestone for the East African region.

“This vessel is a milestone for East Africa, advancing our trade and environmental priorities while strengthening regional ties. My thanks to everyone who brought this project to life.”

The project is being funded by the ORIO Infrastructure fund (Now “Invest International”) of the government of the Netherlands to a tune of Euros 13.1 million (about Shs 50.3 billion) and co-financing from the government of Uganda with UECCC as the designated implementing agency of the project.

The project entails the construction of nine mini hydro power plants with a combined capacity of 6.7 megawatts and the construction of a local distribution network of 288 km in the project area as well as connecting up to 71,081 households and 2,300 small and medium-sized enterprises in the project areas.

According to UECCC managing director, Roy Nyamutale Baguma, the nine sites are going to be developed as a single project but in two phases with the initial phase comprising four sites which are going to be constructed over a period of 24 months from the groundbreaking time on February 1, 2025, in Mitooma district.

“We expect that when we implement this project, it will spawn investments in the areas of value addition, especially in the agricultural sector. Also, the availability of energy will mean that many service businesses will be established. We expect health and education services to be established which will lead to poverty alleviation and also addressing the Sustainable Development Goal of providing affordable, reliable and sustainable energy to Ugandans by 2030,” he said.

Baguma added that the areas were selected because of their challenging topography and geophysical conditions where it is not economical to wheel power over long distances and yet they have water sources which can be harnessed for power generation. He further noted that the basis for selecting the project sites was high social return in terms of rural electrification and not commercial viability.

Two contractors have been identified to implement the project; HNAC Technology Co. Ltd China for the civil and hydro-mechanical works and Ossberger GmbH from Germany for the design, manufacture, supply and install the electro-mechanical works of the project.

The slow pace of implementation, coupled with unresolved technical issues, is threatening both the government’s investment and its ability to modernize procurement nationwide.

The Auditor General’s report has raised significant concerns over the system’s delayed rollout, technical failures, and non-compliance with procurement standards, all of which jeopardize its long-term viability.

Introduced in 2016, the e-GP system has only been fully implemented in 36 of the 200 planned government entities—just 18% of the target—despite nine years of effort.

Some of these 36 entities are only using the system in part, as it remains incomplete. The system’s oversight and reporting modules, crucial for generating procurement reports, have also failed to operate correctly, producing errors when attempting to produce key documentation.

Many government entities continue to rely on traditional manual processes, meaning the full potential of the e-GP system remains untapped.

The Auditor General has warned that with rapid advancements in technology, the government risks investing in a system that could become outdated before its full implementation.

Originally designed to automate procurement processes, the e-GP system was intended to streamline interactions between the government and businesses while reducing reliance on paper-based methods.

However, despite significant investment, many government agencies are still processing procurements outside the e-GP platform, undermining the goal of digital transformation.

The Auditor General has called on the Accountant General to prioritize completing the development and rollout of the e-GP system to all planned entities.

Without urgent action, the government risks missing out on the intended benefits, such as enhanced procurement practices and better fiscal management.

The Accounting Officer explained that the system’s slow rollout was initially due to unreasonably high costs demanded by the original vendor for change requests.

In June 2020, a new vendor was sourced for system development and enhancement, with clear delivery schedules in place.

However, the development contract with the new vendor will expire on December 4, 2024, and alternative options for system enhancement and rollout are currently under discussion, with a new target date of July 1, 2025.

This intense fighting claimed the lives of Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, the military governor of North Kivu province, and nine South African soldiers who were in the country on peacekeeping and offensive missions. As a result of the fighting, many diplomats fled the city to Rwanda. After the capture of Goma, some FARDC and coalition soldiers were seen retreating to Rwanda while surrendering their weapons to Rwandan security authorities.

The fighting also spread to Rubavu, near the border of DR Congo and Rwanda, where bombs crossed into Rwanda, killing five civilians and injuring 25 others, according to Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, a spokesperson for the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF). Over 2,000 Congolese civilians have fled to the Rwandan side of the border in the Rugerero sector of Rubavu. Other civilians, undeterred by the situation, were seen looting at Goma International Airport.

The chaos in Goma city has also affected truck drivers who were en route to the town. Those who had reached the Chanika border from Kampala and Mombasa decided to halt their journeys upon hearing about the ongoing crisis.

Hajji Shabban Mugisha, one of the truck drivers, states that he and his fellow drivers chose to remain at the Chanika border rather than risk their lives and goods by proceeding. He also mentioned that security officers at the border advised them to stay put and wait for further developments in Goma. Mugisha expressed that the situation suggests there is no functioning government in the DRC.

Moses Kato, another truck driver, told our reporter that they would remain at the Chanika border until the situation normalizes. He emphasized that attempting to cross into Goma poses a significant risk of looting. Kato further pointed out that there is insufficient parking space on the Rwandan side of the border.

Ben Niwamanya Kashumbusha, the Kisoro District Police Commander, praised the truck drivers’ decision, highlighting the importance of their safety. Kashumbusha noted that security authorities on the Ugandan side of the border are prepared to protect the drivers and their cargo. He added that security at the border remains on high alert to prevent any negative elements from crossing into Uganda.

In June 2022, security authorities in Kisoro district moved immigration and customs services from the Uganda-DR Congo border at Bunagana to the Uganda-Rwanda border at Chanika, following traffic disruption along the Bunagana-Rutshuru-Goma route due to clashes between DRC forces and M23 rebels in Rutshuru territory. M23 rebels captured Goma city during the 2012 insurgency but withdrew after about seven days to allow for peace talks with the government.

However, after their withdrawal, the government, alongside mercenaries and United Nations troops, launched an assault against them until they retreated to Uganda and Rwanda. The insurgency resumed in 2022, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, who seized FARDC positions in Tchanzu and Runoni in Rutshuru territory, eventually capturing the Bunagana border.

Since then, the insurgency has left many parts of North and South Kivu provinces in rebel hands. In August 2024, Bisimwa and Makenga formed an alliance with Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, the leader of the Alliance Fleuve (River) Congo (AFC) and former chairman of the country’s electoral commission, to escalate the insurgency against the government.

The DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, a claim that both Rwanda and the M23 deny. The rebels assert that their fight is against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DRC’s leadership.