Policy Briefs

Leveraging Internet Connectivity for Efficient Governance and Inclusive Economic Growth in Uganda

The current global trend is defined by the convergence of several powerful technologies: the rollout of 5G networks promising ultra-low latency and massive IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity, the expansion of fibre-optic backbones for unparalleled speed and capacity, and the emergence of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations (e.g., Starlink) which aim to provide high-speed internet to remote and underserved regions globally.

Can Uganda Tame Election-Related Inflation?

This expenditure creates a dual shock to the economy: first, a demand-pull inflation from cash injections during campaigns, and second, a cost-push inflation as elected officials engage in rent-seeking to recoup their investments. The judiciary’s annulment of elections due to voter bribery is a surface level indicator of this deep-rooted problem, which corrupts representation and prioritizes patronage over public service.

Cigarette Taxes: A Hanging Fruit to Expand Uganda’s Revenues

According to the international tobacco score card that evaluates countries’ cigarette tax systems based on five-point rating system across four components i.e: absolute price, affordability change, tax share and tax structure, Uganda overall score is lower at 1.25 of out of 5 (Tobacconomics, 2024). Uganda’s score is below the average of 11.53 for regions, income group (1.47) and global average of 1.99

Potential Tax Reforms to Unleash Uganda's Second-hand Goods Trade

Digital Jobs as a Profound Solution to Unemployment in Uganda

Digital devices particularly smart phones and computers are very expensive due to high taxes. This is exacerbated by heavy taxes on internet making it hard for the population to use it frequently.

The Urgent Need For National Quality Control policy Reforms in Uganda

UNBS should not close non-compliant manufacturers or businesses. They should be guided on how to improve to the desired standards. This should be done to increase local infant industry startups, employment, and reduction of businesses that operate from hidden premises. Further, it will prevent local infant manufacturers from being exploited or charged exorbitant royalty

The Quest for Cyber Security to Combat Threats to Digital Finance in Uganda

Cybercrimes have greatly increased most especially from 2020 to date due to the fact that Covid-19 broke out in 2020 a period in which there was restricted movement.

Street Vendors in Kampala City, Uganda: A Question of Urban Economic Policy Reforms

For example, the KCCA Act (2010) does not i) Provide for how street vendors shall be controlled. It only gives functional responsibility to KCCA, ii) Define the role of the secretary for security and trade order in the Village-urban Councils and Street Committees to the preservation of the human and economic rights of street or market vendors,

Heavy Taxes a Hindrance, to Business and Economic Freedom in Uganda

Currently a unit of electricity costs Ugx 749.2 for domestic users exclusive of monthly charges. 75% of businesses both in the formal and the informal sector now depend on electricity in their operation.

Brutal arrests, illegal detention and torture: A failed test for rule of law in Uganda

There is a need to redefine the role of the Army and Police in order to reduce the militarization by the police (excessive brutality) during arrests. This, combined with other law enforcement reforms, will also restore the reputation and public trust for Uganda‟s security personnel.

Citizens’ Engagement in Local Government Decision Making Processes: Policy Brief 008 Towards public finance accountability, transparency, and improved service delivery in Uganda

The decentralisation system of government in Uganda offers local government the mandate to administratively extend social-economic services to the citizens. It also involves citizens in determining specific local public needs and channeling such needs to urgent priority areas.

Financial Literacy as A Tool of Business Transformation For Small and Medium Enterprises in Uganda

This brief presents what limits the performance of SMEs and recommends the possible policy measures that can be adopted to transform SMEs in Uganda citing financial literacy as the key general strategy to SME transformation. The limitations to SME growth highlighted include shortage of capital and credit facilities, limited skilled labour, inadequate raw materials, poor infrastructure, inefficient management skills, and the contained use of new, emerging, and constantly changing technologies.