Uganda Roundup: Lawyer for Ugandan opposition ‘arrested and tortured’, grant for aquaculture parks, refugee support
Grant for aquaculture parks
The Auditor General's report for 2024 reveals significant issues with Uganda's EU-funded aquaculture parks project, for which the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) received a $10.5 million grant aimed at promoting sustainable fish farming. Key concerns include incomplete projects, lack of performance guarantees from contractors, and inadequate use of advanced funds. Specifically, a water-based Tilapia park and a land-based catfish park are unfinished despite substantial advances. The absence of secured land titles further complicates accountability. According to ChimReports, attempts to recover funds from contractors have failed, risking permanent loss of public funds. The Auditor General has urged immediate action from the Permanent Secretary to recoup funds and enforce financial safeguards in future contracts. The findings have prompted calls for increased oversight and accountability in managing public and donor resources.
Museveni woos UAE investors to Uganda
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda has urged global investors to engage in business opportunities within Uganda and Africa, emphasising the country’s rapid economic growth and the potential for added value in various sectors, particularly agriculture. Speaking at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025, he highlighted Uganda's classification as a lower-middle-income country with aspirations to become a high-middle-class nation. As reported by The Independent, Museveni noted that a significant market exists in Africa, with a projected population of 2.5 billion by 2048, promising a lucrative ecosystem for investors. He stressed the importance of sustainable policies to ensure shared prosperity and cautioned against mistakes that could hinder progress. The summit included various dignitaries from Uganda's government.
Flynas celebrates its first direct flight between Riyadh and Entebbe in Uganda
Flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East, launched its first direct flight between Riyadh and Entebbe, Uganda, on January 15, 2025, as part of its growth strategy to connect Saudi Arabia with 250 international destinations by 2030. Zawya explains that The new route will operate three weekly flights and support the National Civil Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030 objectives. The inauguration event took place at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, attended by Flynas and Riyadh Airports Company representatives. Passengers can book flights via Flynas’s website, app, call centre, or travel agents.
Funding for refugee support
The UK has pledged $20 million to the World Food Programme for 2024/25 to support Uganda's refugee response, marking a significant increase from previous years. This funding is part of a larger GBP 25 million commitment and will assist over 800,000 vulnerable refugees through expanded cash transfers for food assistance. The initiative aims to enhance economic resilience, promote self-reliance, and provide financial literacy training. The UK's support reflects its ongoing collaboration with the WFP since 2018 and its commitment to sustainable solutions for the over 1.7 million refugees in Uganda, primarily from conflict in neighbouring countries, SoftPower News reports.
Lawyer for Ugandan opposition politician ‘arrested and tortured’
Eron Kiiza, a human rights lawyer in Uganda, was arrested and tortured after representing opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in a military courtroom on January 7. Convicted of contempt of court, he received a nine-month sentence and was transferred to Kitalya prison. Colleagues who visited him reported signs of physical and mental torture, INKL reports. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have called for his immediate release, condemning his detention as a violation of laws. The Ugandan armed forces dismissed the torture claims as "absolute rubbish." The situation reflects a decline in the rule of law in Uganda, particularly in the lead-up to general elections, as repression of opposition figures appears to be increasing.
