Government ministries, departments and agencies, together with private sector leaders, have pledged that essential services and economic activities will continue uninterrupted during this week's national elections, in a coordinated effort to prevent disruptions to livelihoods and investor confidence.
The assurances were made at a joint press briefing convened by the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) in Nakasero, where officials emphasized that elections would not halt manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, exports or government operations.
Colonel Edith Nakalema, the head of SHIPU, said security and economic stability were being handled as a single priority to ensure Ugandans vote peacefully and return to normal work within hours.
"Protecting investors and their interests is essential to protecting the interests of Uganda, because all Ugandans benefit when our investment climate is not disrupted," Nakalema said, adding that all government agencies would remain fully operational throughout the electoral period.
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Health authorities confirmed that medical services would not be affected. Mulago National Referral Hospital Executive Director Dr. Rosemary Byanyima said the country's largest hospital would continue running all ordinary and specialized services, with staff working in shifts to allow them to vote without disrupting patient care.
Manufacturers also committed to keeping factories running to avoid shortages and price instability. Uganda Manufacturers Association Executive Director Dr. Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda said industries would maintain production schedules, noting that export contracts and international supply obligations could not be paused because of domestic elections.
"We shall ensure no scarcity so that prices of goods remain stable," Rubanda said, warning that disruptions would affect incomes across multiple value chains.
The tourism sector similarly assured visitors of uninterrupted operations. Uganda Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa said national parks, hotels, tour operators and transport services were operating normally and would remain secure during polling.
"The country remains fully open for tourism during the ongoing election cycle," Kagwa said, urging both local and foreign tourists to proceed with travel plans as scheduled.
Government agencies also cautioned against actions that could undermine stability. National Environment Management Authority Executive Director Dr. Barirega Akankwasah warned that election-related violence, including acts such as burning tyres, carries serious environmental and legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences.
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While the briefing also called for responsible journalism and civic engagement, the dominant message centered on continuity: that Uganda's economy, public services and institutions would keep running despite the elections.
