Excise Duty Shock: Uganda’s FY2026/27 budget introduces tougher excise duty moves, including higher diesel and petrol charges, increased motorcycle registration excise, and new levies on single-use plastics—raising the odds of higher operating and transport costs for industry. Energy Affordability Alarm: A new global SDG7 energy report says 655 million people worldwide still lack electricity, with Sub-Saharan Africa worst hit; Uganda is urged to make power cheaper, expand rural electrification, and scale clean cooking to hit 2030 targets. Rail Corridor Push: Uganda has secured about $1.2bn to expand the Standard Gauge Railway from Kampala to Malaba, with construction expected to start within 12 months—promising faster cross-border trade even as Kenya’s plans face delays. Construction Cost Pressure: Engineers warn higher construction costs as the budget adds a new levy on cement (about Shs 250 per 50kg bag), squeezing infrastructure affordability. Project Risk Cover: ICIEC insures Uganda’s Akii-Bua Stadium project with $65m (Shs236bn) in supplier-credit cover, supporting delivery ahead of AFCON 2027. Oil Milestone: Uganda is on track for first crude oil exports in October 2026 as the Kingfisher project nears completion, with major investments tied to Tilenga and EACOP. Climate & Community: Equity Bank and My Tree Initiative back tree planting in Mpigi to boost climate resilience. Education Strain: Kisima II Island in Jinja reports child-headed families driving school dropout as parents abandon children. Agri Innovation Spotlight: Uganda’s young engineers win gold and honours at the International Greenwich Olympiad in London, including a fruit-picking robot and low-cost farming solution.