President Museveni signing the Acts into law
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I President Yoweri Museveni’s signing into law of eight major Acts of Parliament marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s legislative and policy reform agenda, with far-reaching implications for governance, service delivery, and economic transformation.
In a press statement, State House described the development as “a decisive step in strengthening Uganda’s institutional framework, enhancing regulatory efficiency, and aligning national systems with the country’s long-term development priorities.”
The statement added that the laws are expected to “drive improvements in public service delivery, safeguard citizens’ welfare, and promote sustainable economic growth.”
At the heart of the reforms is the National Drug and Health Products Authority Act, 2026, which introduces a robust regulatory regime for medicines, vaccines, medical devices, diagnostics, and cosmetics. The law is expected to tighten oversight within the pharmaceutical supply chain, addressing longstanding concerns about counterfeit drugs and substandard health products.
By strengthening safety standards and enforcement mechanisms, the Act could significantly boost public confidence in the health system.
Equally transformative is the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, 2026, which seeks to reshape energy consumption patterns across the country. By mandating energy audits and setting minimum efficiency standards, the law targets waste reduction in both industrial and domestic sectors. This is particularly critical as Uganda pushes toward sustainable development while managing rising energy demand.
The repeal of the Non-Performing Assets Recovery Trust through the 2024 Act signals a shift toward streamlined financial governance. By transferring its functions to the Ministry of Finance, government aims to enhance efficiency in managing distressed assets, a move analysts say could strengthen fiscal discipline and improve recovery outcomes.
In the labour sector, the Employment (Amendment) Act, 2025 stands out for its expanded protections for vulnerable workers, including domestic employees, casual labourers, and migrant workers. These groups have historically operated with limited legal safeguards, and the new provisions are expected to curb exploitation while promoting fair labour practices.
Justice sector reforms are also prominent. The Forensic and Scientific Analytical Services Act, 2026 modernises Uganda’s forensic capabilities, improving the handling of scientific evidence and strengthening criminal investigations.
Complementing this is the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Act, 2026, which seeks to enhance efficiency in lower courts, potentially reducing case backlogs and improving access to justice.
Meanwhile, the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Act, 2026 updates intellectual property protections, offering stronger safeguards for creators in Uganda’s growing creative industry.
The Public Enterprises Reform and Divestiture (Amendment) Act, 2024 further reinforces governance structures within state-owned enterprises, aiming to improve accountability and performance.
Taken together, the eight laws represent a comprehensive reform package cutting across critical sectors of the economy. Government officials say their implementation will trigger institutional adjustments and policy shifts in the coming months.
Beyond their individual impact, the Acts underscore a broader commitment to modernising Uganda’s legal framework in line with emerging national and global challenges. If effectively implemented, they could play a pivotal role in strengthening state capacity, protecting citizens, and accelerating the country’s socio-economic transformation.
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