US report on Uganda raises concerns over corruption, human rights

What the report says

The U.S. Department of State’s 2026 Uganda Investment Climate Statement has flagged corruption, weak judicial independence, shrinking civic space and human rights abuses as major risks for business in Uganda, according to The Independent Uganda. Published in September, the report says these problems continue to weigh on investor confidence even as the country records economic growth and rising foreign direct investment.

The report says corruption remains especially problematic in public procurement, where some foreign firms have complained that competitors win contracts through bribery and avoid environmental and labour rules. It also argues that anti-corruption laws exist on paper, but enforcement is uneven and politically connected individuals often avoid prosecution. The assessment further raises concerns about public financial oversight, citing the use of supplementary and classified budget accounts, which it says can reduce parliamentary scrutiny of spending.

On the justice system, the report says understaffing, case backlogs and alleged interference by senior officials can weaken impartial decision-making. It also links repeated restrictions on opposition activity, reports of arrests and detention beyond legal limits, and alleged torture by security elements to a worsening democratic environment. The assessment notes that internet restrictions, including the Facebook ban, remain part of the broader civic space concerns.

The report presents Uganda as a country with opportunities in energy, infrastructure and agriculture, but one whose investment climate is shaped by governance and rights issues. The Independent Uganda reported that the U.S. findings come against the backdrop of Uganda’s strong recent growth and record foreign investment, much of it tied to oil-related projects.