Uganda remains a key player in the EAC: abundant natural assets, strong tourism potential, and evolving political and economic dynamics.
Governance & Politics
President Yoweri Museveni (National Resistance Movement, NRM) has been in office since 1986 and remains the central political figure. The largest opposition force is the National Unity Platform (NUP) led by Robert “Bobi Wine” Kyagulanyi, whose political rise has energised younger voters and reform-minded segments.
Political competition is active but constrained: recent years have seen a mix of electoral participation and strong government push-back against dissent.
Economy & Outlook
Uganda’s economy is projected to grow strongly: a February 2025 outlook estimated growth of ~7.5%, with a more conservative World Bank/IMF view of ~6.2%. Growth drivers: agro-industrialisation, tourism, oil & gas prospects, technology.
Tourism is receiving special emphasis: Uganda’s tourism sector is gaining traction with record visitors, and government-unveiled reforms aim to turn it into a major foreign-exchange earner.
Tourism, Infrastructure & Services
Uganda is positioning itself as “Africa’s leading tourism destination” in the medium-term: the country recorded 678,811 visitor arrivals in one recent year and was up ~12% in 2025’s early data. The mountain-gorilla permit market, high-end safari lodges, community-based tourism and national-park upgrades are key features. For example, each gorilla-tracking permit costs ~USD 800 for foreign non-residents; part of the revenue is shared with local communities.
Infrastructure challenges remain (roads, air access, utilities) but reforms are underway.
Business Climate & Ease of Doing Business
Uganda remains comparatively favourable among EAC frontier-economy peers: investment law allows foreign-ownership except land (for foreigners). Issues: regulatory predictability, governance, corruption and land rights remain constraints — but the government’s “Tourism Transformation Roadmap” and other sector reforms show forward momentum.
Human Rights, Security & Governance
Freedom of expression, civil-society space and political dissent remain under pressure, though not as severely as some peers. Security is moderate: Uganda does not face large-scale insurgency at home, though regional spill-over (e.g., South Sudan, DR Congo) and refugee-flows are relevant.
The Big Picture
Uganda offers a compelling mix: strong growth prospects, emerging tourism boom, reasonably stable business climate. For investors and tourists willing to engage, it may present a better-balanced risk-reward trade-off compared to more fragile neighbours. The political risk exists — but many of the structural fundamentals are favourable.
Republic of Uganda Sevo’s land
