Uganda Roundup: Human Rights Abuse, electricity distribution, Marburg Virus Disease
Railway extension discussions
Kenya is currently in discussions with the UAE about extending its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Uganda and South Sudan. This initiative is part of a feasibility study aimed at enhancing regional integration and boosting trade in East Africa, Africa Business Insider reports. President William Ruto made this announcement during a summit in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Kenya is seeking a significant $1.5 billion loan from the UAE to fill its budget-financing gap and bolster its foreign-currency reserves. This effort is aligned with the UAE’s strategic objective to invest in Africa and assert greater regional influence, which complements Uganda’s recent agreement with Yapi Merkezi Holdings concerning its SGR segment.
Human rights abuse
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders has condemned the Ugandan government following the arrest and torture of human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza. Kiiza was detained on January 7 while representing opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in a military tribunal. According to Jurist.org, his arrest was marked by violence, denial of access to his client, and subsequent torture in custody. He faced conviction for contempt of court and was sentenced to nine months in prison without proper charges or legal representation. Human rights organisations contend that these actions violate Uganda's Constitution and international human rights standards, demanding Kiiza's immediate release, the annulment of his conviction, and an inquiry into the torture. A 2023 UN review highlighted the systemic judicial harassment experienced by lawyers in Uganda.
Clean energy collaborations
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni underscored the robust economic partnership between Uganda and the UAE during his address at the World Future Energy Summit at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025. He expressed aspirations to fortify bilateral ties across various sectors, Zaywa reports. Museveni underscored the significance of the UAE's international events in driving climate action and elucidated Uganda’s commitment to a green economy, emphasising the adoption of global best practices for clean energy.
Electricity distribution
In a decisive policy shift, the Ugandan government will take control of the electricity distribution sector, relieving Umeme of its responsibilities in favour of the state-owned Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) starting April 1, 2025. This transition marks the conclusion of Umeme's 20-year concession and aims to bolster the national energy infrastructure, which is crucial for the country’s industrialisation and socioeconomic advancement. Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa noted that this move is in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan IV and Vision 2040, aiming for 80% electricity access within three years and universal access by 2030. UEDCL is set to focus on the expansion and rehabilitation of vital infrastructure to enhance service reliability, according to the Independent.
Marburg Virus Disease
Amidst these developments, Uganda is on heightened alert due to a suspected outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in neighbouring Tanzania, which has caused eight fatalities. The Ministry of Health has ramped up surveillance and implemented preventive measures at border points to mitigate the risk of the virus entering Uganda. Currently, no cases have been recorded in Uganda. Lokmattimes reports that the World Health Organization (WHO) has notified member states regarding suspected cases in Tanzania's Kagera Region, where symptoms include headaches, high fever, and bleeding. The situation poses a high risk due to significant cross-border movement. MVD is known for its high fatality rate, reaching up to 88%, and is transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.
