Evidence And Methods Lab

Debt servicing, the money government pays back on loans has jumped from UGX 30T to UGX 33.4T, making it the single largest expenditure item in the 2025/2026 Financial Year budget.

It’s bigger than health, education and infrastructure among others.

Uganda's domestic revenue target, the total amount the government plans to collect from taxes without borrowing has increased by UGX 6.98 trillion.

However, even with more taxes being collected, domestic revenue now covers only 52% of the national budget with the rest being borrowed.

Uganda's Financial year 2026/27 National Budget has been approved at UGX 84.39 trillion, the largest in Uganda’s history.

The budget has grown by UGX 12 trillion, with debt servicing as the single largest expenditure item.

For nine years, we’ve worked to advance citizen participation in governance through civic technology, independent research, and tools that hold power accountable.

This work has shaped conversations around transparency, accountability, and how citizens engage with their government — and we need your help continuing it. If what we do speaks to you, please consider supporting us today. Every contribution, however small, keeps us going.

Support us here: evidenceandmethodslab.org/donate

Uganda's Protection of Sovereignty Act 2026 was passed in May with significant changes to what was originally tabled.

Read our full report to understand what changed and what the law now means for you: https://shorturl.at/0dVJ2

The Protection of Sovereignty Act 2026 is now a law. But who does it actually apply to?

The law targets those who knowingly act on behalf of foreign interests to influence Uganda's politics, elections, or national security. It does not apply to ordinary businesses, diaspora families, health programmes, or journalists going about their legitimate work.

Knowing the difference matters. To understand exactly what this law does and does not do, read our full report here: https://shorturl.at/0dVJ2

Are you a young entrepreneur in Uganda?

We want to hear from you on access to finance, as it remains one of the biggest barriers facing young business owners in Uganda today. Your experience matters, and this survey is designed to capture it, amplify it, and use it to shape the support young entrepreneurs actually need.

Share your voice and help build better solutions for Uganda's next generation of business owners. Take the survey here: http://shorturl.at/nis8T

Do you know who is running Uganda’s government, and what qualifies them to do it?
Here is our assessment of Uganda's 2026–2031 cabinet; a complete, evidence-based review of all 87 government appointments.

The dashboard covers 36 Cabinet Ministers and 51 State Ministers, each scored across 7 dimensions including academic credentials, portfolio alignment, governance experience, and public integrity. It gives you the information you need to understand who is running Uganda's government and what they bring to their roles.

Access the full assessment here: evidenceandmethodslab.org/uganda-cabinet-assessment

Starting today, we’re at the Global Data Festival and Kenya Space Expo 2026, joining innovators, researchers, and changemakers to discuss how we can power innovation, and partnership through data and technology.

If you’ll be there, let’s connect, share ideas, and explore how data and technology can drive meaningful impact across Africa.

Meet Argie Gathigi, our Fellow representing Kenya.

A youth leader, environmental advocate, and civil society champion who has dedicated her work to empowering communities and amplifying voices that matter.

From her leadership within the Kenya Girl Guides Association to her involvement in global guiding movements, Argie embodies exactly what stands for — young people showing up, speaking up, and shaping the world they want to live in.
We are proud to have her as part of the EML family.

https://evidenceandmethodslab.org/