Uganda consumer prices rose by 0.3% in March 2014 due to rise in food prices. The director macro economic statistics, Uganda Bureau Of Statistics (UBOS) Mr. Chris Ndatira Mukiza, attributed the increase in prices to the reduced supply of agricultural products to markets owing to the prolonged dry spell experienced in most parts of the country in the past few months. Food prices rised by 12.7% in March compared to 11% in the previous month with the highest increase being in fruits and vegetable prices which rely on the rain to thrive. As long as Uganda continues to rely on…

According to March 2014 reports, Uganda Revenue Authority is having a deficit of about 270 billion in tax revenue for the financial year slated to end June 2014. If it continues this way it will mean that the National Budget will have to be realigned bearing in mind that most donor aid has been put on hold. Comparing to the same period last year, the revenue collection is much higher though not enough to reduce the cumulative deficit of Ugx. 270 billion. While releasing the performance review last week, Mr. Richard Kamujugo, the Commissioner Customs noted that February 2014 registered…

British Airways has announced four new direct flights from Entebbe (EBB) to London per week. Passengers are now able to fly directly from Entebbe to Heathrow’s Terminal 5, the world’s best terminal in the prestigious World Airport Awards. This is a timely and welcome development to Uganda and makes travelling to London now enjoyable as there will be no more unnecessary stopovers and time wasting especially for business travellers. The new direct flights from EBB to Heathrow are is a new development. It is not yet reflected on the www.ba.com BA’s official website. Radio announcements have been running on Uganda’s…

Are you aware that a good number of brand new computers are pre-infected with dangerous malware due to pirated software? According to joint study conducted by IDC and the National University Singapore (NUS), the practice makes the users and companies readily vulnerable to security breaches and cost. The NUS forensics analysis of 203 new PCs loaded with pirated software found that a staggering 61 percent of the PCs were pre-infected with unsafe malware, including Trojans, worms, viruses, hacktools, rootkits and adware. These PCs, purchased through resellers and PC shops in 11 markets, included more than 100 discrete threats ‘‘The university’s…

The Ministry of Education and Sportshas finally managed to come up with a regulatory framework to guide the operationalisation of the students loan scheme. This follows the passing of Higher Education students Financing Act. Needy students who are unable to pay for their higher education will now be able to achieve their dreams and pursue their careers. The students loan scheme will enable students enroll in recognized higher education institutions in Uganda. The beneficiaries will have up to one year after accomplishing their studies to start repaying back the loan. Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports…

Umeme Holdings Limited (UHL), the majority shareholder in Umeme Limited on 6th May 2014 announced that it is selling a substantial part of its 60.1 percent stake. A number of foreign firms have expressed interest in buying shares in Uganda’s electricity distributor, Umeme Ltd. This development has come following a majority vote by Uganda Members of Parliament to cancel the UMEME contract on the account of the alleged failure by UMEME to meet the terms of the contract with Government of Uganda However, Umeme Ltd, through its Head of Communications, Mr. Henry Rugamba denies that UHL decision to sell a…