The Big Story

The Smartphone Tax Trap: Is Uganda Pricing Millions Out of the Digital Economy?

Paul MurungiTechnology & InnovationThe Big StoryMarch 31, 2026March 31, 2026

Uganda has spent years talking about digital transformation. It has built strategies around it, launched platforms around it, and anchored part of its long-term economic future on it.  But for…

Court Orders Equity Bank Uganda to Pay Over USD 54,000 in Landmark Negligence Ruling

CEO East Africa MagazineThe Big StoryMarch 30, 2026March 30, 2026

Equity Bank Uganda has been ordered by the High Court’s Commercial Division to pay more than USD 54,000 following a finding of negligence in the handling of international trade documents,…

Ignored Presidential Directives in UGX34b Debt Push Emin Pasha Owner Toward Crisis as Equity Bank Again Targets Charged Properties and Puts Radisson Hotel Project at Risk

Jeff WintersThe Big StoryMarch 30, 2026March 30, 2026

A deepening financial and legal standoff between Prism Construction and government has escalated into a high-stakes crisis, with Equity Bank moving to realise securities, placing key properties linked to the…

#CEOOfTheWeek: Mumba Kalifungwa — Unlocking Stanbic’s Lending Power to Drive Uganda’s Growth

Muhereza KyamuteteraBanking & Financial ServicesCEO Of The WeekThe Big StoryMarch 30, 2026March 30, 2026

When Mumba Kalifungwa stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Stanbic Bank Uganda in March 2025, he inherited not just the country’s largest bank by assets, but a…

Julius Kakeeto Steers Pearl Bank to UGX 47.3 Billion Profit as Rebrand Signals Rise of a Homegrown Banking Powerhouse — Paving the Way for the Next Growth Phase

Paul MurungiBanking & Financial ServicesThe Big StoryMarch 30, 2026March 30, 2026

Pearl Bank Uganda has stepped into its new identity with both regulatory endorsement and strong financial muscle, posting a profit after tax (PAT) of UGX 47.3 billion for the year…

Tax on Used Clothes to Increase to 30%

Jeff WintersThe Big StoryMarch 29, 2026March 29, 2026

Government has revived its efforts to rein in the importation of second-hand clothing, proposing to double the surcharge from 15% to 30% under the 2026/27 Revenue Enhancement and Compliance Measures….

All Cash Withdrawals Now to be Taxed

Jeff WintersThe Big StoryMarch 29, 2026March 29, 2026

In a move that seeks to boost domestic revenue, government has proposed a new levy on all cash withdrawals across the financial system. The 2026/27 Revenue Enhancement and Compliance Measures…

Diamond Trust Bank Exits Burundi Market, Sells Subsidiary to Local Investors

Paul MurungiThe Big StoryMarch 29, 2026March 29, 2026

Diamond Trust Bank Group has formally exited the Burundi market after selling its 83.67% stake in Diamond Trust Bank Burundi to a consortium of largely local investors, bringing to a…

Govt Moves to Ban Importation of Cars Older Than 13 Years

Jeff WintersThe Big StoryMarch 27, 2026March 27, 2026

Government is proposing sweeping changes to motor vehicle importation rules under the Traffic and Road Safety Act, as part of broader reforms contained in the Revenue Enhancement and Compliance Measures…

She Chose Humanity: How Miriam Opwonya Laker-Oketta Is Redefining Leadership through Dignity and Compassion

Kisakye ImaniThe Big StoryMarch 27, 2026March 27, 2026

In a world with many pains, treating people humanely is fundamental. It is the simple joys that restore hope to people, and Miriam Opwonya Laker-Oketta has experienced that firsthand. She…